An Artist's Prayer Before Showing Her Work

image by Sherwood Media

Holy Spirit,

May you and I break bread and breathe together in this mysterious-yet-material fellowship of making. Keep alive my wonder, oh God of all creation.

As I prepare to show my work, may the real center of attraction be the ineffable sense of your Presence. What else do I have to give that is actually mighty, and able to save, stabilize and nourish shaky starving souls?

As my making comes under scrutiny of men in ways that feel quite embodied, uncomfortably immediate, and of a larger scale to me, give me the courage of my convictions: the conviction that each artist, even this workwoman, is worthy of her wage.

May I do this with other makers in mind. May each one see what else is possible through my experience.

As I quietly make an offering of my hours, my honing, my honoring, my history, and my husband’s sacrifice as well, I come prepared to share my powerful story, of which I am both its steward and sole truth speaker.

May those who have heard something of me one way, come and hear my side, see my scars and my smile, and go away encouraged.

Take my tiny talent and tether it to the greater work that The Son has already done.

It’s all I want.

In Jesus’ Wildly Worthy Name,
Amen
📷: Sherwood Media