Back in 2009, I started posting weekly prayers for writers in an email group. After a few years, one of the leaders in the group suggested I keep those prayers and think about publishing them one day. About two or three years ago, I moved the prayers out of my email program and into a Scrivener document, thinking I would finally get around to organizing them.
And there they sat.
Not long ago, I was on a Zoom chat with a couple of writer friends, and one of them mentioned a book about all the different kinds of things people choose to write about. And I said how I’d been meaning to put my prayers for writers into book form.
As soon as that chat ended, I opened the Scrivener document to look at the collection of prayers. Twelve years gave me a lot to choose from, and suddenly, it became a passion-project for me. Going through those prayers, reliving some of the circumstances they brought to mind, was such a blessing for me. These are prayers for writers and readers. These are prayers for anyone who loves Jesus and wants to serve Him. They are prayers that I needed to say for myself as well as for others. Above all, they are prayers from my heart.
I’m excited to announce the release of Words Matter: Prayers from a Writer’s Heart. The paperback edition is available already, and the Kindle ebook will release on Monday, February 14, 2022. (Valentine’s Day just happens to be my born-again birthday, so it feels like an appropriate day for this book of prayers to release.)
Father God, remind us today how very important words are. You spoke this world into existence. And in Your image, we can speak life into those around us. Help us to be intentional in the words we speak. Help us to build up and not tear down.
Do the same with the words we write, with the stories we tell. There are plenty of books out there that can depress and darken the lives of readers. Help us to write stories that will give hope, stories that will offer truth and light.
Put a guard over our mouths (and our pens) when silence is the best response of all.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen
Here’s what a couple of writers you know from Inspired by Life and Fiction had to say about Words Matter:
What an eloquent collection of prayers for writers—or for anyone who bears the image of our Creator God. (In other words, everyone!) I especially like the way the prayers are indexed to be used for specific needs, various holidays and other occasions. This is a collection I will turn to again and again for comfort and inspiration. – Deborah Raney, author of Bridges and the Chandler Sisters Novels
As a writer, there are days when I stare at the computer screen and the words do not come. Even when I pray, all I can say is, “Lord, give me words.” Robin Lee Hatcher has given me words for days when I have none, and for that I am supremely grateful. – Angela Hunt
I pray that this little book will offer encouragement to many.
And now it’s back to my fictional worlds. Until next time,
~robin
Robin Lee Hatcher
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This looks inspiring, Robin. I look forward to reading and praying through it!
Thanks, Carol. I hope it’s a blessing to you.
This sounds like such a wonderful project! I wish you all the very best with it, Robin. 🙂
Thanks, Becky.