By Elizabeth M. Thompson

Years ago a friend shared with me that her co-worker always bowed her head to pray before tackling her workload. This simple act was the catalyst for my friend accepting Christ. It was also the catalyst for me, as a new believer, to begin praying over my work each day.

When I left the corporate world and embarked on the adventure of full-time motherhood, I relied on this habit more than ever.

I've long understood the importance of praying first, before I work, before I act, before I speak.

So, why do I charge ahead sometimes? What makes me think I can write anything of value without seeking God first?

This morning I'm reminding myself (and you, too in case you need a reminder), to stop and pray before putting words on the page.

May I pray for us?

Lord, please keep us focused on you. Help us to fully engage with you, seeking only to please you and bring glory to you in our writing.

Please give us words that meet our readers' needs--words of encouragement, exhortation and inspiration.

Give us courage to write from our most tender places. Those parts of us where your Spirit is at work.

Protect us from the devourer of dreams and infuse our words with creativity, power and grace.

Amen