Prayer is like the turning on of an electric switch. It does not create the current. It simply provides a channel through which the electric current may flow. — Max Handel
Every writer knows the feeling: you have a dream for your work. Maybe it’s publishing that first book, landing an agent, or reaching thousands of readers. It’s natural to ask God for these things, but if we’re honest, we sometimes approach prayer the same way we approach a wish list.
Prayer and writing are most powerful when aligned with God’s purposes, not just our personal goals.
Why Asking Doesn’t Always Work
Some people believe God will give them whatever they ask for—if they believe hard enough. But that doesn’t always work. Apparently, God isn’t a vending machine for our ambitions. The Bible warns against asking with motives centered on ourselves rather than God’s will (James 4:3).
If our main goal in writing is fame, fortune, or validation, we may be asking for something that won’t help our spiritual growth. God cares about what we write, we write it, and why we write it. When he doesn’t open the publishing doors that look good to us, we can be sure God has a better plan, one that may not fit our idea of success.
Ask, Seek, Knock
Jesus said, “Ask … seek … knock …” (Matthew 7:7), he wasn’t promising a gift of everything we want. He was saying we need to keep asking God, seeking him, and knocking on his door. Doing that will get us the publishing success that he wants, which is better than what we imagine.
Instead of asking God for any publishing contract, ask him to give you the message he wants you to write and for him to his way to spread the word. That might be an email, blog post, or inspirational article—which might reach more people and change more lives than a book would.
Instead of banging on every closed door, ask God to show you which ones are worth your time.
In Jesus’ Name
When Jesus said we could have whatever we ask in his name (John 14:13), he wasn’t saying his name was a magical way to open doors that wouldn’t budge. To ask in his name means to request something under his authority and direction.
Before we attach God’s name to our writing goals, we should make sure the project reflects his heart. If it’s meant to inspire, encourage, or speak truth, then your prayer carries his mission, not just our brand.
Thankful for No
In business, people often face rejection. That’s especially true in the publishing world. We shouldn’t take those rejections personally, thinking our writing is worthless. Should the owner of an orange grove be offended when a buyer of bananas doesn’t want his product? Here’s the problem: Success in publishing requires our giving people what they want. But our success as Christians requires our writing what God wants. Can you see how pleasing God might be much more important than pleasing people?
Sometimes, God’s greatest mercy is saying no to our prayers and expectations. He knows when a yes would lead us into pride, burnout, or compromise. Or maybe it simply wouldn’t lead to the “best” that he wants us to have.
You might think, if your manuscript had been accepted years ago, your career would have soared. But maybe your craft needed more sharpening. Or maybe God knew the publishing partner wasn’t right for your message. A closed door now could mean a better open door later.
The Responsibility of Receiving
Having more can be a two-edged sword because having more means we are responsible for more. If God blesses us with more publishing opportunities, they we should be concerned with how well we are using those gifts for his glory, not just to build our platform.
Getting a contract or a viral post should be the beginning of a stewardship assignment, not the end goal. Whatever you do next matters more than how fast you got there.
What to Ask For
The apostle Paul said, without the direction of the Holy Spirit, we don’t know how to pray (Romans 8:26). The applies to our writing dreams. We may think we know what we want, but God knows what we truly need.
We should probably go beyond praying, “Lord make my writing successful,” to praying, “Lord, show me what to write, how to write it, and who it’s for.” Not those words are something we could pray without ceasing.
Alignment with God’s Heart
Contrary to popular opinion, prayer isn’t just about getting what we want. The most powerful writing flows from a heart that is in sync with God’s purposes. When we write what he wants written, in the way he wants it written, for the people he wants it for—we can be confident our words will bear fruit. And that is the perfect picture of success.
We may not always see the results immediately, but the outcome will be exactly what he intends.
Remember the Lord’s wonderful works among you. Revere him, and faithfully do whatever he asks of you. — 1 Samuel 12:24 The Discussion Bible
Faithful and True
I asked for a book that would sell in a flash,
A contract, a cover, and mountains of cash.
But God said, “My child, that’s not quite the plan—
Let’s write something lasting, the best that we can.”
I knocked on a door that was shiny and wide,
But God knew the truth of what waited inside.
He guided me toward a different door,
And there stood the readers he wanted me for.
I prayed “in Jesus’ name” with my list full of dreams,
But God saw the cracks in my glittery schemes.
He gave me instead just the words I should write,
And showed me the value of truth over hype.
Sometimes a closed door is a blessing in disguise,
For God sees the traps that can fool our own eyes.
A no from the Lord may keep me from failure,
And cause my stories to glorify my Savior.
So now when I pray, I don’t simply say, “More.”
I ask, “What’s your vision, Lord? What is this for?”
And when I write stories or craft something new,
I pray that my heart will stay faithful and true.
For a practical guide to storytelling, check out Storytelling at Its Best
