Lord God, beautiful Creator,
I have yet to create anything.
From mud pies to masterpieces,
everything I have formed or fashioned
has been a simple, sometimes crude, rearrangement
of your mighty works.
I have ever and always used the raw materials you provide
to make something that seemed new
but was in reality an imitation of you,
of your words,
your wonders.
Sometimes, I confess,
I have cravenly tried to imitate
others who imitate you:
poets, prophets, and preachers,
artists and musicians,
whose gifts for reflecting your beauty and imagination
inspire awe and envy in me.
But they are imitators, too.
So save me, Lord,
from imitating other imitators.
Grant that I may always–
and with increasing artistry–
imitate only you,
the sole Creator,
the true Innovator,
the only Originator of all beauty and creativity,
in Jesus’ name, amen.
When Editorial Errors Matter
“Save me, Lord, from imitating other imitators.”
Amen, brother!
Thank you, Bob, for putting this so simply and memorably.
I’d hoped my writing could bring praise
and glory unto You, my Lord,
but that was then, and nowadays
it’s effort that I can’t afford.
It’s not that I don’t feel the same;
indeed, I see Your grace abound,
but I must play another game
if I am to stick around,
for I’ve been beat back to the ropes,
pummeled through long day and night,
and I have not slightest hopes
that I might yet win this fight;
the offering to You I bring
is to keep my feet in cancer’s ring.
yes – amen. Thank you, Bob! I also enjoy your Prayer A Day blog.
What a beautiful prayer. Thank you, Bob!
Amen.
So much truth in so few words. Thank you.
Perspective 1.
There is joyful perspective when you receive Grace,
when you know that your death will then open a door
to the heavenly crowd there just waiting for you;
when about to leave Earth, there’s but one loss to face,
just your fallible flesh for the gain evermore
of those welcomed by God, family, friends, your pets, too.
When too tired to struggle or focus your mind,
just lie back, smile, let go, and then soon you will see
what you wouldn’t trade anything for, or regret
having been here, now knowing that what is behind
is but dross for the golden Light shining so free
upon Jesus, Who greets you, your greatest joy yet.
The Omnipotent One shows you His perfect peace;
you’ll be glad He is so just, and your crying will cease.
****
Thank you for this beautiful reminder.
Could we ask for God’s grace if God did not give us the knowledge of what to ask for? Before I ask, I thank God for making me capable to ask.
In these times, a message we writers need to hear. Thank you, Bob.
Yes! Let me imitate my Lord alone!
Wonderful insights into a writer’s mind. And yes, we are only imitators. Thanks for this reminder.
Beautiful reminder!
For me, Imitation of other creative people often comes because of envy and then follows with frustration at not quite hitting the mark. Your prayer reminds me to follow the God of creation and see where he leads. He has more than enough creativity to inspire us all.
I’m going to print your piece and hang it above my work space. Thanks for your post!
My WIP has been called too unusual. I need to follow God’s prompting, with an open mind to experts’ advice.
After all, giraffes and butterflies are unusual. Sometimes God’s creativity is a bit outside the norm.
Yes and Amen, Creator God.
CAROLINA OLIPHANT — MADAM, ANONYMOUS
http://www.electricscotland.org/forum/main/ask-the-seneschal/4613-
Ask the Seneschal = 6,506 VIEWS
O, she be the alpha and omega of your poetrie declaring………….
AYE………….
A wonderful prayer to keep and remember. Amen!
❤ Amen!
Thanks for creating that poetry. And thanks for the people’s creative responses.
Every thing we have is a gift from God. Everything we create He has already created. Our works are to bring Glory to The Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Thank you for reminding me to continue to seek humility.
Beautiful!! God bless you!
Doubt, fear, frustration, anxiety,
God is always the answer,
The harbor we can safely moor our lives, hopes, and disappointments.
Your poem is like a star in reverse; all the points returning to its center,
to burst out again renewed.
Your encouragement always makes me stop, look closer at God, listen closer for His plan, continue closer to Him. Thanks.