I consider prayer to be an important—indispensable, even—part of the writing life. I’ve written about that here, in fact. I’ve also written and published 31-day prayer resources (here and here). So, I thought I’d offer here a 31-day prayer plan specifically for you and your writing. See how nice I am? (Pray for me.)

1          “Alpha and Omega, First and Last (and He who is to come), let my writing, from first to last, be a product of your presence in my life.”

2          “Lord, grant that as I ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’” (2 Peter 3:18), my effectiveness as a writer may also develop and grow.”

3          “Grant, Lord, that as I live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in me (Ephesians 5:2; Galatians 5:22), my writing may always be motivated by the love of God.”

4          “May integrity and honesty always characterize my efforts at writing and publishing” (Psalm 25:21).

5          “Father, keep me alert and self-controlled in all I do, and particularly in my tasks as a writer” (1 Thessalonians 5:6, NCV).

6          “Lord, your Word is more precious than gold, than much pure gold, and sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:10). Help me to handle it wisely and responsibly, as a worker who does not need to be ashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15).

7          “Jesus, you are the resurrection and the life; as you have given me new life, give life also to my thoughts, words, and writing” (John 11:25).

8          “God, keep me always aware that your Spirit’s voice is my greatest resource, my greatest writing tool, and my guide” (Acts 4:31).

9          “Father, grant that my writing may always show proper respect to everyone, as your Word commands” (1 Peter 2:17).

10        “Gracious God, let my work as a writer shine so as to reflect the fact that I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:10, NASB).

11        “Lord, save me from laziness as a writer, remembering always that ‘a sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied’” (Proverbs 13:4).

12        “Lord, today give me focus beyond my ability, creativity beyond my facility, and productivity beyond my capacity” (inspired by 1 Thessalonians 1:3).

13        “Holy Spirit, help me to fan into flame the gift of God that is within me, especially when I am tired or discouraged, and even when my efforts are rejected”  (2 Timothy 1:6).

14        “Save me from fear, Lord. Give me courage to write; make me ‘bold in our God’ (1 Thessalonians 2:2, KJV) to write for you, whatever the obstacles or blockages the Enemy may throw in my way.”

15        “God, grant that I may be generous and willing to share with my readers and so lay up treasure for myself as a firm foundation for the coming age” (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

16        “Lord, grant that I may write better than I can write, and thus know that all the honor and glory and thanks belong to you” (Revelation 4:9).

17        “Heavenly Father, thank you for the joy given by the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 1:6) and the joy of writing to please and serve you.”

18        “Lord, help me to run with perseverance this race that I believe is marked out for me” (Hebrews 12:1).

19        “Jesus, save me from pride. Teach me constantly to show true humility to everyone, in everything I write” (Titus 3:2, NLT).

20        “Lord, teach me the secret of being content in any and every situation, including in my writing, through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13).

21        “God, please save me from my own stupid mistakes. Purge me of procrastination and presumption. Make me careful and conscientious” (1 Samuel 25:28; James 3:2).

22        “Father, give me grace to keep me learning, striving, and constantly improving, growing in wisdom, stature, and in favor with you and with everyone” (Luke 2:52).

23        “Lord, make me a scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven, who brings out of my treasure what is new and what is old” (Matthew 13:52, ESV).

24        “Jesus, give me the gift of faith in you, your ideas, your ingenuity, your voice, your power, your words, today and always” (Luke 17:5-6; Hebrews 11:1-40).

25        “God, please grant that I may reach the end of this writing day in awed gratitude for your presence in my life and in my work” (Psalm 89:15).

26        “Father, let my heart be stirred by a noble theme and make my tongue, mind, heart, pen, and keyboard that of a skillful writer” (Psalm 45:1).

27        “Lord, save me from excuse-making. Energize my writing, wherever I am, in whatever circumstance” (Philippians 4:11).

28        “Lord, help me to work hard at every task related to my writing, as working for you, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23).

29        “God, help me to do as you told the prophet: write down what you show me, and make it clear so that the message will be easy to read” (Habakkuk 2:2, ERV).

30        “Lord, let my writing life be marked by prayerfulness, as I pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18).

31        “Heavenly Father, keep me always mindful of and grateful for my great privilege and responsibility as a writer and servant of the Most High” (Colossians 2:7; Ephesians 5:20).

I hope (and pray) that these prayers for you and your writing will bear much fruit in the days, weeks, and months to come. Feel free, of course, to adopt and adapt them to fit your life and writing. (Scripture quotes, unless otherwise noted, are from the NIV.)