Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Put a finger down if: You’ve had writer’s block. Your words don’t make sense on the third readthrough. You know you’re called to write, but you suffer with Imposter Syndrome. You have so many ideas you don’t know where or how to start.
You get the gist.
As writers, we have a burning desire to share the movies only we can see. To transcribe discussions no one else can hear. To create for another an entry into the world we live in. To give insights into lessons we’ve learned. It’s both a blessing and a burden.
We are constantly guided to pray for our writing. Our words. Our audience. Our marketing. And—amirighthere?—it’s a lot.
I want to quit. Because I don’t know how to start. How do I pick up and move forward when that cursor is blinking at me?
Pray. When I pray for something, it’s in anticipation of something yet to come: words, ideas, audience growth. I ask God to guide the marketing to be honest, and my witness to be true.
When my writing isn’t there, prayer fills the void.
I’ve also learned to pray over my writing: the words, audience, marketing, and witness that are already a part of my life. I pray protection, guidance, direction, fruition. Those incomplete files on the laptop. Scraps of paper and sticky notes falling out of my folio. He can make sense of them all.
Matthew 25:14-30 describes our duty to honor what the LORD entrusts us with. He has always known best how to use me and my works. He has given me these talents to share and grow, not to bury away from the world. In giving my prayers for writing to God, I release my expectations for myself, and trust His path.
When I fear that my words aren’t good enough for others, or when my train of thought derails, I claim the promises of 2 Timothy 1:7. Speaking out loud the encouragement of God triggers an inner peace for my inner writer.
I hear that He believes in me. I know that He created my innermost being. I believe I am created in His image. My creativity cannot hide from Him.
One of the most important ways to pray as a writer is with other writers. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us three is stronger than one, and Matthew 18:20 lays out the benefit of gathering together: so that Christ is among us.
I encourage you to keep a note in your writing space, a sticky on your laptop, or a page in your notebook. Write out your upcoming projects and ideas, jot down your current works and pieces, and list those trusted companions you pray with and for.
If, like me, you have so many creative endeavors that itemizing sometimes feels exhausting, ask God to help you prioritize, and present Him with a blanket prayer. As you sit to write, pray over that one task. One project. One scene. One sentence.
“Dear Lord, give me the words that they may glorify You. Amen.”
Molly Jo Realy is an author, editor, creative, and encouragement coach who empowers people to embrace their unique sparkle and share their stories as only they can.
She is the author of the romantic location mystery novel NOLA: Undeaux, creator of the Book Builder Workbook, and has successfully crowdfunded several publications.
Addicted to God, cats, tea, journals, planners, and pens, in no particular order. Follow her on social media for more fun!
Come alive, stay wild, and, always, savor the journey.
