A Prayer for Writers (as compiled by an orthodox rebel)

(original work with adaptations from Psalm 78, T.S. Eliot, C.S. Lewis, and Beethoven)

We praise Thee, O God, for Thy glory displayed in all the creatures of the earth,

In the snow, in the wind, in the storm; in all Thy creatures, both the hunters and the hunted.

For all things exist only as seen by Thee, only as known by Thee;

All things exist only in Thy light, and Thy glory is declared even in that which denies Thee.

The darkness declares the glory of light.

We praise Thee, O God of glory, power, and mercy; all creation praises Thee.

We, Thy creatures, would adore Thee now and through eternity.

Saved to magnify Thy goodness, grant us strength to do Thy will

With our pens as with our stories, Thy commandments to fulfill.

We praise Thee, O God, as we gather here before Thee, the Author of our Salvation and Faith,

Acknowledging our need of Thee, and asking that Thy grace and true beauty

Would fill up what lacks in our meager endeavors and halting metaphors

As we strive to declare Thy glory and goodness in this way:

We will open our mouths in a parable.

We will utter dark sayings of old,

Which we have heard and known,

Which those before us have taught us.

We will not hide them from our children,

And we will show to the generation to come

The praises of the Lord, and His strength,

And the wonderful works that He hath done.

So that they might set their hope in God,

And not forget the works of God,

But keep His commandments.

We praise Thee, O God. Where we doubt Thee, help our unbelief.

Where we are broken, heal us. Where we are stubborn, break us.

Where we are confounded, shine Thy light.

Where we are self-confident, bring Thy darkness.

Teach us to hunger and thirst only after Thee,

And may Thy Spirit take us into the deep things of God.

Amen.

-Jon Vowell (and others noted) (c) 2011