I need something different, perhaps even something normal. I delivered my 4th book to my publisher today, and I will not create any additional new books this year. I will publish several new books next year, but I need to do something a bit more sane than waking up most days to write between 3 and 6 am. I need to do something a bit more plain.

For the next two weeks, I am leaving my computer behind, and I am going hiking with my son.  For the last twelve years, he and I have been working towards an achievement called the fifty summits.  That means that we are attempting to reach the highest point in each US State.  We will complete our 34th, 35th, and 36th high points on this trip as we visit Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho.

I will not just hope that I get a new idea to write about. I will pray for it.

What does a prayer for creativity look like?  I searched, and this is what I found.  I don’t know who to attribute it to, but please don’t think this was my work.

Dear God,

You keep creating and creating:

New stars, new plants, new animals, new thoughts, new lives.

When You said: Let there be Light

You did not worry about the electricity bill.

When You thought of creating man and woman as companions,

You did not stop and say: Wait—maybe they won’t love me.

You do not spend time thinking up criticisms about Your creations

Nor do You hold back in any way in Your endeavors.

O Glorious God, I am free, and I now create like You!

I create fearlessly, with great love, purpose, and passion.

From the smallest detail

To the largest project

I am inspired to work with Your ardor.

My creative fire is awakened within me

For You are creative, Lord,

And I am made in Your image and likeness.

I have a right to create,

I am in the Flow Of Your Ideas,

And I flourish through my creativity.

Thank You, God, that I am creative.

And so it is.

Amen.

 

For those of you who follow me, pray for me, as well.