In an earlier blog I asked if there were any books written on Christian writing. Several of you suggested books dealing specifically with Christian writing. One of the books suggested to me was The Christian Writer's Guide, by Mary Harwell Sayler. What a wonderful surprise this book turned out to be! I, of course, had asked the question thinking somewhat academically about the differences in writing in the relationship and calling of Christ. But this book is satisfying longings I did not know I had.
One delightful concept she introduces “Prayer-a-Phrasing Scripture.” Although this was a clever way of presenting praying Scripture passages. The concept is not completely new to many of us. But two of her applications to writing struck me enough to be printed and put up on my desk.
She begins the first chapter with these words.
“Some writing projects might not even mention God’s name, but every project, including this one, needs to begin with prayer, asking God to guide, inspire, and be with us.”
Then she adapts The Lord's Prayer to the needs of writers.
Our Father Who Is in Heaven, let Your Name be holy in us.
Let Your Kingdom Come.
Let Your Will be done in our earthly writings as though written in Heaven.
Give us this day, our daily bread to nourish us and our readers and strengthen the whole Body of Christ.
Forgive us for trespassing with old assumptions or biased words that intrude, and help us to forgive those who speak ill of You.
Lead us not into the temptation of accepting facts without checking or giving up when our work seems rejected.
And deliver us from evil – especially unloving words that speak unfairly of us or others and reflect poorly on our LORD God.
For Yours is the Kingdom – where our work and writing belong as we long to live and write in Your Power for Your Glory forever. Amen.”
http://theanchorofthesoul.blogspot.com/
httphinkinginthespirit.blogspot.com/
http://watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/
http://writingprayerfully.blogspot.com/
