Pre-Prayer my Heart for Writing
by Tina Yeager
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer”
(Psalm 19:14, New International Version).
I skim through a Psalm while scarfing down my toast and java. The clock scolds me for rising late. A full day of scheduled interviews and subsequent writing time launches in fifteen minutes. I bite through homemade apple butter and consider the stringy peel as I draw it away from the toast. I doubt my strategy to pre-pare will serve me better than this half-prepped spread.
I had cooked apples without peeling them. Now the half-pared strands grate over my tongue, corrupting the mouthfeel instead of allowing me to experience a smooth, pleasing butter. Had I taken a bit more time, the results would have been easier to swallow.
On busy days like this one, I often rush through the steps of readying my spiritual fruit. How can I serve palatable, wise words without first shaving hurry from my quiet time? Haste instead of hearing God could produce messages the readers should spit out instead of swallow. In order to nourish others’ souls, I must follow the vital steps of my spiritual development as a writer.
I have nothing worth sharing unless I receive ingredients from the Spirit. My day will bless others with flavorful words only if I pre-prayer my heart with scripture meditation.
I study the Psalm again and fold the words into my heart. Prayer over each significant verse brings the meaning to a simmer. I meditate over the pages before me and ask the Lord to season my soul with his wisdom.
A glance at the clock proves the miracle of time invested in eternal company. I still have three minutes to spare. I can gloss my lips with confidence about sharing messages the audience will cherish more heartily than cinnamon-spiced butter.
Jesus, thank you for leading me to sit with you this morning. I am so grateful you guide me to prepare my heart so I can share your fruitful Spirit and its messages with others. Amen.
So easy to relate. Yep. We must get our nourishment from the Word to pass it onto others! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Thanks for reading and letting me know you found it relatable! Blessings to you, Del!