A few years ago—more than fifteen years ago, to be exact—for the first time since I’d begun writing in 1994, my job as a novelist was beginning to be more than a part-time pursuit. I had several contracts to fulfill, and my calendar was filling up with speaking engagements. Our oldest son had his degree, but our middle son and daughter were in college in Missouri and Iowa, and our youngest daughter was still at home. I was feeling very conflicted about being a full-time (and long-distance) mom while trying to also be a full-time writer to help pay those skyrocketing tuition bills.
Alas, the writing life wasn’t quite the bowl of cherries it had been in the beginning, and I was letting a lot of things distract me from what I had originally trusted to be a calling.
One morning I was praying—feeling overwhelmed and pouring my heart out to the Lord about a pressing deadline. I asked Him what I should be doing. I rarely write down my prayers, but for some reason, this time I went to my computer and began to type the words I was praying.
God met me with comfort and peace as I prayed that morning, and I’ve gone back to pray these same words many times in the years since. I suspect this prayer expresses the fears and desires of other Christian writers who long for their words to stay true to God’s Word. Without him directing our fingers on the keyboard, we are nothing more than noisy gongs and clanging cymbals.
So once again, as I begin my work on this Monday morning of the fresh new week God has given me, this is my prayer…
~Deborah Raney, July 29, 2002
Throughout the coming months, as I find myself in a similar situation with editing and writing deadlines pressing down, with meetings and speaking events on the horizon—and in the midst of it all, the holidays to prepare for—I’ll pray many versions of this prayer. Because I never want to lose the joy I’ve found in the writing life, but neither do I ever want to take lightly the responsibility of writing for God’s glory.
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Thank you, Deb. Just what I needed as I work to finish my novel and keep the rest of my life in balance. I’ll pray this prayer often.
Balance sounds so easy and just isn’t! Glad the prayer was helpful, Lynn. Happy writing!
Hi Deb, what a beautiful prayer! I’m saving it to remind me what’s important on this writing journey! Blessings to you, Carrie
The older I get, the more I need reminders. Glad I’m not the only one. 🙂
Beautiful and meaningful prayer, for whatever your work is! Thanks for sharing!
I was hoping people with other occupations would find it meaningful too. Thanks for taking the time to post, Karen.
Thank you for sharing this prayer!
From one Debbie to another, you’re welcome! 🙂
Beautiful.
Thanks, Robin. Thank you for always being an inspiration to me—in work, and in life.
I loved this post and especially the prayer. It made me realize something that I’ve never thought of before. All my life I’ve wanted my books to sell, to be the author others would recognize – and in my heart I knew my books were my Christian witness that I wanted so desperately to make. BUT, apparently, God didn’t feel that was right for me. Maybe He, knowing all things, knew I wouldn’t be able to handle such a hectic schedule, that for reasons I might never understand, this wasn’t supposed to happen for me. All who read my books love them, but I’ve never been able to get many sales outside my immediate family. SO, your post has made me realize I need to leave it in God’s hands and accept His will. I thank Him for authors like you, Deb, and the other Christian authors I’ve come to love to read and I wish you much success in the future. God bless you always.
And I thank Him for authors like you, Joan, who write out of obedience and let God take your stories where He knows they are needed. You are an inspiration and I wish YOU much success…and may we both let God define “success” for us.
Wonderful prayer! Thanks so much for sharing. It articulates my own heart toward writing very, very well.
Thank you, Becky, and thanks for tweeting about it! I appreciate you!
Beautiful prayer. 🙂
Thank you, Melissa. It’s been good to be giving it all over again into His hands. I wish I could just live in a constant state of having that attitude. :}
Amen!! God has answered your prayers many times over. Your words (and you) are a blessing far larger than you know.
Roxy, you are such a blessing in my life. And I could say the exact same thing about you and your words. I know they have changed lives that you’ll likely never know on this side of heaven! But mine is one of them. Just so you know. 🙂
Thank you for being a writer of Christian Fiction and for all the work and hours that go with it. Thanks for sharing your prayer with your readers. We love you.
Thank you, Shirley. I am very grateful God has allowed me to do this job, which so often feels like pure fun. (Not ALWAYS, mind you, but often.) 🙂
Lovely prayer…words that we can all apply to our lives. Thank you for those thoughts and for your books as well. Thanks to all Christian authors that make our lives so much richer.
I am grateful along with you, Gloria, for so many Christian authors who have enriched my life. Most of all the authors of Inspired By Life…and Fiction.!
Love this, Deb! Thanks so much for sharing. It is always encouraging when the Lord reminds us of prayers we’ve prayed/written long ago that speak again to our ‘now’. And I so agree with your prayer. MERCI for your life, your writing, your witness.
Merci right back at you, Elizabeth. Your books—and your prayers—have blessed me immensely!
Lovely post! It is so applicable to many other situations as well. My heart responds to your words today also. Thanks!
Thank you, Jen! I’m so glad the words spoke to you. May God get all the glory.
So, so good, Deb. Amen!
Thanks, Julie. I know you understand the NEED for such a prayer! 🙂
God definiteky shines through in your writing!
Thank you, Joan. And thank you for all the encouragement you’ve given me along the way!
A perfect writer’s prayer, Deb. Thank you!
Thank you, Ruth. And thank you for being such an encourager to me over the years!
Thank you, my friend, for sharing your special prayer. I’ll use it as I begin my own editing journey today. Your encouraging words and the reminder to place my trust in Him, makes my task less daunting. Blessings!
Blessings as you edit, Janetta! Appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Love your words. And I’m borrowing your much needed prayer for myself.💕
Thank you, Daphne! Borrow away! 🙂
I love this and I believe this prayer of your heart is why we see Jesus in your books.
Well, I’m late seeing this, Susan, but thank you SO much. That means more to me than you can know! Thank you for always being such an encourager to me!