Prepare Your Minds for Action

Therefore, prepare your minds for action.

1 Peter 1:13a

Lord, it’s easy to rest on my laurels, to say, “I’ve already studied that,” or, “That is one skill I already have mastered.”

It’s easy for me to be lazy, thinking, “That bit of knowledge doesn’t really apply to me,” or, “Who really needs that much technique, anyway?”

Help me to continually pursue the acquisition of knowledge. As I learn, I pray for understanding. As I understand, I pray for wisdom so I can apply that knowledge to my craft. I long to have a mind prepared for the moment of inspiration.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

He Loved the Soil

As long as he [Uzziah] sought the LORD, God prospered him. (2 Chronicles 26:5b)

He also had plowmen and vinedressers in the hill country and the fertile fields, for he loved the soil. (2 Chronicles 26:10b)

Lord, this passage shows me that You long to prosper me in every area of my life, including my hobbies. You take even my silliest interests seriously: an odd book, jazz music, gardening, bee keeping, model airplanes. Thank You for being the kind of God who prospers Your servants in the smallest ways.

Thank You for prospering me in my hobbies.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

What are your hobbies? How do they feed your art? Have you seen the hand of God working in your pursuit of your hobbies?

Called of God

“For the sake of Jacob My servant,

And Israel My chosen one,

I have also called you by your name.”

Isaiah 45:4a

Father, You have called me to be an artist. And it is not for my personal fulfillment that you have called me to do this work. You called me into the arts for the sake of others. You called me into this vocation in order to serve Your purposes on this earth.

I give You my art. Use it, I pray.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Jealousy and Selfish Ambition

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

James 3:16

Father, make me aware of evil motives in my heart. Where I’m jealous, I pray you increase my love for the person I’m striving against. Show me how I can serve and help that person instead of holding his gifts, talents, and accomplishments against him.

Where I have selfish ambition, I pray you increase my faith, knowing if I seek Your kingdom and righteousness You will add success, fulfillment, and prosperity to me.

Forgive me for tainting my artwork when I’ve created it with my own selfish desires in mind. I give all my creative output to You, so You can use it for Your glory.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Formed in the Womb

Thus says the Lord who made you

And formed you in the womb, who will help you…

Isaiah 44:2a

Father, whenever I doubt that You care about me, I pray You remind me  You are an artist who cares for Your artwork, as I care for mine.

Remind me that You will not abandon me so easily, I pray.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

For judgment will be merciless to those who have shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 2:13

We artists can be such merciless critics. We can be critical of those older than us, smug in our knowledge of the current trends in art. We can be critical of those younger than us, forgetting from where we came and how difficult the journey can be for those in our profession.

Lord, help us to show mercy when we hold the fate of another artist in our own hands. Help us to build up, not to destroy, to encourage, not to denigrate. Father, help us to be merciful so mercy can be shown to us when we need it most.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

In the comments, let us know about the work of another artist who would be encouraged by your kind words. Or tell us a story about an artist who built you up when you needed it most.

I’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to a very creative and progressive St. Louis band (as well as good friends of mine), Oceania.

Faith without Works

What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works?

James 2:14

Father, I have faith that You have creative ideas waiting for me. I have faith that You will help me complete those ideas, turning them into finished, and in some cases, saleable works. I have faith that You prosper the work of my hand, and that You will give me favor in the marketplace.

And so, I set to work. I set to work knowing that You are right beside me, helping me. I set out to become better at my craft knowing You are with me, helping me understand its concepts and principles. Faith without work to back it up is useless. Help me as I set to work.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen