A Photographer's prayer

I LOVE this!! Okay, so I stole it from another photographer's blog...not very Christian-like, is it?! ANYWAY, it just puts into words how I feel about my photography and my desire to use my talents for His glory! It's something I pray for often - Lord, help me to use this talent that You have given me to serve You and show me how to use it in a way that is always pleasing to You!!

"Oh God, as I bring my subject into focus and prepare to make each portrait, never let me forget that I am creating treasures for some family, a keepsake for loved ones. Make me sensitive to the qualities and virtues of others, that I may draw out into the light the beautiful radiant belongings of their hearts.

Help me to be an artist, collecting the beauty of every soul, the glow of youth, the gentleness, the laughter or tears of each life that is precious in Your sight. Deeper than a means of livelihood, give me the perspective to see my photographer's art as a service to others, making life richer and more memorable.

And, dear Lord, between the lights and the shadows, the ups and downs and the rolling years, keep me from getting out of focus or off center, so that my life and work may be framed with dignity and colored with contentment...Amen."

~Author Unknown