A Writer’s Heart: Precepts, Prompts, & Prayers

The Writer’s Heart: Precepts, Prompts, & Prayers

“I will meditate in thy precepts,

and have respect unto thy ways.”

Psalm 119:15, KJV

What do we consider morally right? If we want to end with confusion, we can ask politicians—or any random persons on the street. The first question leads to a second. What gives us the right to set moral standards? There is only One who has the authority to set the rules for right and wrong. What does this have to do with writing well?

Our readers want to know our words, whether fiction or nonfiction, carry a weight of truth and will lead them in right ways—even to that “happily ever after” ending.

“The statutes of the LORD are right,

rejoicing the heart:

the commandment of the LORD is pure,

enlightening the eyes.”

Psalm 19:8, KJV

The scriptures show us good and evil. They, also, provide a great resource for purpose, themes, and story prompts. We would like to think people have become smarter and wiser as the ages rolled by. But when we look around our world, we can see we haven’t changed much from those of the Bible. In the Old Testament book of Judges we find—

“In those days there was no king in Israel:

every man did

that which was right in his own eyes.”

(21:25, KJV)

If we understand the context of biblical precepts, can answer the Lord’s purpose in giving them, and recording them to span the ages, then our readers can trust our source. They can find help whether we write fiction or nonfiction. Both will speak truth and lead our readers on a journey of discovery. As we write, we may discover treasures of growth for ourselves. In truth if we don’t grow from the writing process, is it fair to expect our readers to grow from what we write?

What’s the next step?

• Pray for direction.
• Start writing.
• Don’t know what to write? Remember for what purpose and for whom you are writing.
• Start writing.
• Begin with a question to answer, a statement of fact, an emotional thought, a description, a scene. This may not remain your opening, but it will free your blocked mind to keep writing.

A Writing Exercise:

Choose one of the following scriptures as a writing prompt. Keep it in the biblical setting, change it to a contemporary setting, or whatever comes to mind. Just have some fun with it, and share it with us in the comments, if you so desire. The key is to—start writing.

1. “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.” Luke 2:25, KJV
2. “And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;” Luke 2:36, KJV

A Prayer to help you on your way:

Heavenly Father, Open our eyes to see with awe the wonderful things you have done and want us to tell others. Give us understanding of your precepts, the life you have declared right and good. Guide our thoughts, inspire our writing, and help us write in truth of you, your majesty, your marvelous work. May our words always point to you in truth and love. May we trust you with the results as we give our best to the work you’ve given us. Thank you. And we ask all in Jesus’s name and for your glory, honor, and praise. Amen.

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Using God’s word correctly will lead us and our readers to what is right and good—and to the “happily ever after” we all seek. What writing goal do you seek?

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