God, save me from laziness as a writer.
Save me from the error of thinking my first draft is good enough.
Save me from settling for second best.
Save me from low standards,
pedestrian thoughts,
stale words,
and pat answers.
Grant me the grace
to reread
and rewrite
with diligence and insight.
Grant me the courage
to invite
and accept
valuable and insightful critique from others.
Grant me the stamina to edit
and revise
with patience and perseverance.
Grant me the wisdom to be utterly unsatisfied
until every piece,
every page,
every paragraph and sentence
shines in such a way as to delight
both the reader
and you,
in Jesus’ name, amen.
The Woman Beside the Man
Feet up, mind in neutral
pretty much defines my days,
and it’s really useful
for the finding of the ways
not to go and strain my brain,
nor get it confused,
and thus pristine it will remain,
’cause it’s never used.
And now you’re talkin’ ‘gainst the sloth
that’s my stock in trade,
saying I should pledge my troth
in reaching for a higher grade
of art with stalwart perseverance
to negate my shiftless incoherence?!
Pristine brain cracked me up, Andrew. 😀
AMEN!!
This is so beautiful and very in every writer’s heart for their needs.
God bless you.
Amen! Amen!! Amen!!!
So Beautiful. Every word of your prayer speaks to me and my writing journey. Thank you for sharing.
Amen! Thanks for the encouragement. Elena Corey
Leola….you must have perceived my thoughts exactly!
God’s timing is perfect. I was just about to start writing, and I’m more tired than usual. I don’t feel like sitting at the keyboard. I just prayed this prayer. Thank you for sharing it!
Well done, Bob. I’d like to share this with my graduate students. May I?
But of course, mon ami.
God bless you for that brilliant, amazing, motivating commentary!
I needed to hear every word you said!
Thank-you
Amen. Thanks, Bob.
Perfect timing, Bob! Instead of putting an “okay” stamp on a piece of writing I struggled with this past week, I ripped into it and reworked it. When I went back and re-read it, I actually felt sorry for my readers. Now, I am satisfied I’m giving them a gift.
Your prayer reminded me of advice the Lord gave me when I first began writing: “Don’t fall in love with your words.” Along with His advice, your prayer is a keeper.
Hi Tonia,
If I want to quote”Don’t fall in love with your words,” do I credit you or God? Please laugh.
I struggle with being a perfectionist. Does the paragraph flow? Will the reader connect with the words and the message I am trying to convey? Is it interesting? When is it great and not just good enough?
However, I do have times when I am in a rush and think, “That’s good enough,” and I should have taken more time. Your prayer is a great reminder during those times!
Yes, Lord. Make it so!
Amen.
Great reminder. I’m going to post this near my computer!