Prayer of a Lazy Writer

God, save me
from laziness as a writer.
Save me from the error of thinking my first  draft is good enough.
Save me from settling for second best.
Save me from low standards,
pedestrian thoughts,
stale words,
and pat answers.

Grant me the grace to reread
and rewrite
with diligence and insight.

Grant me the stamina to edit
and revise
with patience and perseverance.

Grant me the wisdom to be utterly unsatisfied
until every piece,
every page,
every paragraph and sentence
shines in such a way as to delight
both the reader
and you,
in Jesus' name, amen.