Many moons ago (I love saying that), when I still posted on my Christian writers blog Book Nations (which is still up for people who want to read the few posts I published), I shared prayers based off of the Armor of God for writers to pray over their writing.
I can’t remember how or when, but at some point, it struck me (or God gave me the revelation) to equip my writing as I would myself for battle. After all, when we publish our words or share them on social media—whatever—we’re sending them out to do battle. To conquer the ground of readers’ hearts and minds. To speak truth and life into them. To vanquish the strongholds of the enemy. Whether we’re writing allegorical fantasy or Christian nonfiction, words hold immense power. They themselves are a weapon, wielded by books and blogs. So why not gird them as we would a prized soldier? Why not prepare them to go forth and be used by God Almighty? Why not prepare ourselves to withstand the doubts and negativity and pressure we may face?
So if you, dear writer, desire to be used by God and want to dedicate your writing to Him and His purpose, I invite you to pray these prayers with me. Lay a hand on your laptop, pen, notebook, or even over your heart, and pray these words aloud. But don’t take it lightly. This is a resolution and a declaration before God, a commitment to serve Him with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. It’s something you’ll be held accountable for—but it’s worth it.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”
Ephesians 6:10-18a ESV
I fasten the belt of truth on my writing. I gird my words with the absolute truth that stems from Almighty God and His Spirit, that whomever reads them would see and understand the great love and power of my God. I infuse every paragraph I will ever write with truth, that I will not present lies or falsehoods nor cause confusion. I pray that God would use my writing to reveal His truth and advance His kingdom.
I put the breastplate of righteousness on my writing. I instill purity and holiness into the heart of everything I write, that my words may be a reflection of God’s perfect image. I purge all uncleanness and wickedness from my writing and commit to writing things that honor and glorify the Lord. I pray that those who read my words would be changed and convicted according to God’s will.
I ready my writing with the shoes of peace. I prepare my words to go forth into this world and into the hearts and minds of all those who read them in peace, that I may not stir up controversy and conflict, but rather speak life in a gentle way. I dedicate my writing to bringing the peace of God to my readers’ spirits. I pray that God will use my words to turn others toward Him, to quiet their souls, and to open their hearts.
I take up the shield of faith on behalf of my writing. I stand by my words in belief, hope, and faithfulness that God has a purpose for my writing and will bring it to fruition. I will not back down from my faith in God, I will be open and unashamed about my faith within my writing and every aspect of my life, and I will strive to glorify Him in all I do. I pray that God would give me the strength to stand firm and would reveal His faithfulness through my writing.
I place the helmet of salvation on my writing. I resolve for my writing to speak of Christ’s saving power and to be a testimony of His grace. I reserve my writing for God’s purposes and save my gifts and talents for God alone. I pray that He would preserve my writing and continue to foster the desire within me, according to His will.
I wield the sword of the Spirit for my writing. I fill my writing with the Holy Spirit, that the pen with which I write—mightier than a sword—and the tongue with which I speak—sharper than a two-edged sword—would be used by Him to prick the hearts of my readers. I welcome the Holy Spirit into my writing, to weave messages of God’s grace and mercy in my stories, and to permeate every word. I pray that God would pour out His Spirit upon every word I ever write and overflow onto every person who reads even a single word, so that my writing would be as a fragrant aroma unto the Lord.
What are some passages of Scripture that inspire you as a writer? How can you pray them over your writing? Do you struggle to incorporate your faith into your writing (whether in the process or the story itself)? If so, how can I help you?
