It’s time to edit the third book in the Dive Team Investigations series. While this is exciting and wonderful because it means that this book is getting closer and closer to being in the hands of readers, I have to say that, well, editing and I don’t have the best relationship. Please note that I said editing – not to be confused with editors – my editors are amazing and I’m extremely thankful for them!
As I’ve been processing my feelings toward this part of the process,ย I wrote this prayer and I thought I’d share it with you. I’d be honored if you would pray with me over the next two weeks as I dive into this story and try to make it all it can possibly be.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Itโs me.ย Again.
Iโm dreading this.ย Again.
Dreading opening the file and seeing all the places I got it wrong. All the places my meaning was murky and my words were misunderstood.ย
Iโm dreading the hours of work ahead. The rewording, rearranging, and rewriting.ย
Iโm dreading having my mistakes pointed out to meโover and over and over again.
Deep in my core, I want perfection.ย
In some ways, I know itโs because thatโs what I was created for. A perfect world where every day beganโand endedโwith no mistakes in it.
But the same sin that ended that perfect place also corrupted my desires.ย
Now, my perfectionism is more about control. More about saving face. More about longing to be be impressive. More about the desire to be praised than about the desire to put something into the world that will draw others to praise You.ย
Father, pry my fingers from my words. Open my hands and my heart to the beauty that is waiting on the other side of this journey. Open my mind and my will to make changes that will better convey the story that You gave me, the story that You want told.ย 
Jesus, thank you for dying and rescuing me from my own tiny world where I want to reign and rule. Thank you for living now and interceding on my behalf, even when I regularly try to take the throne away and sit on it myself. As I dive into this story would you, the Word made flesh, fill my mind with the words that will best draw readers closer to You?
Spirit, I long for a fresh breath of Your creative power. I need You to give me the desire to do this work with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. And when I falter, to remind me that all things are possible through You.
Iโm so thankful that Youโve already gone before me into this day, into this story, into the future where readers will someday join me on this journey. Youโve proven yourself faithfulโtime and time againโas I wrote this story. Why would I doubt that You will be faithful as I finish it? Please help me see this part of the process, not as a painful necessity, but as a glorious opportunity to make every chapter, scene, paragraph, and word, matter for eternity.ย
To You, the Author and Finisher, be the glory.
Amen
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Lynn Huggins Blackburn Believes In The Power Of Stories, Especially Those That Remind Us That True Love Exists.
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May this process be smooth sailing for you. You have this to make your book only better. Prayers.
Yes, Kay! ๐ The editing is ALWAYS worth it! ๐ Thank you for the prayers!
Beautiful! Simply beautiful prayer.
Thank you, Lorrie!
Lynn, your prayer touches me personally. I need daily editing but l know that even as My Editor appreciates my desire for total perfection, He also understands that it isn’t possible. I can’t do it alone so He is willing to overlook or use His eraser and even the ultimate Whiteout offered by His son’s sacrifice and His own gift of grace !
God bless you.
Oh Connie – Yes! We do need the daily editing of the Editor! ๐ I love that!
May your prayer be answered fully and wholly. I struggle with many of the same issues, especially the desire for perfection. A beautiful prayer lifted to our Father is always answered. He has your back!
Thank you, Sherrey!
I will definitely pray for you. I know that you will be successful with God’s help. I have enjoyed both of the other books in this series. I have your other ones on my amazon wish list.
๐ Thank you, Gloria!
I wanted to let you know that it’s working! I have read and enjoyed many of your novels, but Beneath the Surface was your best that I have read so far! I loved that I didn’t figure out ‘whodunit’ a couple chapters in. I have In Too Deep reserved at the library, but there are several people ahead of me. Happy writing!
Thank you! I’m sorry you’re having to wait for the library hold. As a reader, I always wish those other people would hurry up! LOL! But I must say that as an author, I’m tickled to know there’s a waiting list. ๐
What a great prayer! Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Have a blessed week!
Thank you, Melissa!
As one of my favorite pastors used to pray, Father fashion Your answer to to the shape of Lynnโs needs. You know them even better than she does!
I join in praying for you & with you!
Please check your email.
What a great prayer. ๐ Thank you! I love that. He certainly does know better than I do!
Love the dive team series. Just read second book and I am ready for book #3 ! :):)
Thank you, Debbie! I’m ready for Book 3 to be out, too! September feels very far away! ๐
Now I know why you are so successful. My prayer is that God will continue to bless you and your precious family.