Artist Prayer

Asking for Divine Guidance and Support On Our Creative Path

I recently finished reading a wonderful book on the subject of prayer, titled Seeking Wisdom, by Julia Cameron, one of my all-time favourite authors.

Julia has been one of my greatest creative guides, mentors, and inspirations through her rich catalogue of soulful books that offer a special brand of warmth, support and companionship to artists of all different types on their walk with their gifts and what it means to be an artist.

I still remember the revelation of The Artist’s Way, a gift given to me by my first truly encouraging voice coach, Terri Oliver, at a pivotal time on my artist journey. The ideas expressed in that book were life-affirming and it was as though so much of what I had been experiencing but could not yet articulate was being so clearly and matter of factly laid out. I felt seen and understood.

Since then, I’ve always found my way into another book from Julia’s treasure chest at just the right moments, and they always seem to synchronistically align with where I’m at.

Seriously, it’s a thing.

I remember discovering one of her hidden gems, The Right To Write, at a bookstore in Studio City when I was living in LA over a decade ago. I didn’t even know the book existed and it found me at just the right moment amidst a very fruitful season of publishing one blog a week for two years straight, writing for inspirational platforms like The Daily Love and Positively Positive.

This latest book was no different. It found me in the heart of a season of deeply exploring faith in all its expressions. This includes what it truly means to believe in something, strengthening my ability to overcome any doubts that arise along the way to realizing a vision, as well as my own personal faith and relationship with God, and how it wants to be woven more intricately into my work.

One thing I loved about this most recent book on prayer is that it included accounts of Julia’s conversations with a diverse range of artists, each with an equally diverse a range of belief systems.

And yet, they all had one thing in common: they believed in the power of prayer.

Though the practice looked different for each person, the bottom line is that they all had a practice of praying.

Prayers of gratitude and appreciation; prayers for guidance, support, inspiration, blessings and well-being on the creative journey; prayers for success in the pursuit of artistic endeavours and in the little happenings of day-to-day life; prayers for loved ones, past and present.

My own prayer practice has evolved over the years from one that began as something more formal, drawing upon what I learned growing up, to prayers that have become more conversational, and that feel more like talking heart to heart with a friend.

One thing the book has inspired me to practice and explore more intentionally is to pray for help as I navigate the ins and outs of my artist path. It has also served as encouragement to pray out loud more often, to share moments of prayers with friends and loved ones, and to request their support in the form of prayers when I could use a little extra boost.

This small but significant shift has led to some truly beautiful, powerful and special moments. And I also feel much less alone in facing the difficulties that life inevitably throws our way.

In that spirit, I’m sharing a few of the prayers I’ve been coming back to that have become like beacons and guiding lights on my creative faith walk. Anchors to help keep me connected to the sense that there is a higher plan for my gifts, my work and my life, and also to bring me back to belief and faith when doubt rears its head.

If you’re reading this and you feel open to sharing, I’d love to hear some of your favourite go-to prayers. I imagine us creating a beautiful thread of prayers here that we can come back to whenever we’re in need of some extra support.

Much love,
Chris

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Dear God,

Please guide and lead me to the open doors, the green lights, and the “Yes” so that I may share my gifts with the world and serve in a joyful, fulfilling and regenerative way. Thank you.

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Dear God,

Use me as a Holy Instrument, a Divine Messenger, a Clear Channel, a Voice of Peace, Love, Inspiration, Truth & Power.

Show me where you would have me go, what you would have me do and with whom.

Put me where I can be of greatest service and contribution for the highest good of the Whole.

I’m yours.

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Dear God,

I believe that with You, nothing is impossible.

I believe that you are working for me, with me, through me and in me.

I know you have plans to prosper me. To give me life and give it abundantly. To give me a future and a hope.

I believe. Help my unbelief.

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Photo by Philippine Ruzette