A Prayer About My Words
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32
Dear Father, I cannot think of any day I don’t need to marinate in this portion of your Word. First and foremost, I need to hear, see, feel and taste, “just as in Christ God forgave you.” I praise you for perfect and pervasive forgiveness in Jesus. You have forgiven all of my sins, past present and future, in Jesus. If there was something like an email-cartwheel, I’d do one, or several right now. Be worshiped and adored, oh incomparably great and grace-full God!
It’s because you have spoken, and continue to speak, such life giving words to me in the gospel, as “Forgiven… righteous in my sight… wanted… beloved… known… accepted… enjoyed… and Mine!”, that I want to, I must, use my words to build others up, and not tear them down.
What but the gospel is powerful enough to enable me to have done with all gangrenous, “unwholesome” speaking? What but the gospel can enable me to rid my heart of bitterness, rage, brawling, slander malice, just as surely as I’d rid my home of rattlesnakes, deadly mold, and radioactive waste?
Jesus, do a fresh work in my heart that I might be more preoccupied with my family’s and friends’ needs, and not how they inconvenience, fail or disappoint me. Help me know how to benefit and build them up, not berate and belittle them.
Holy Spirit, you have sealed me for the Day of final and complete redemption. What hope, what joy, what peace! Cause my heart to quickly grieve when I grieve you with my words-whether those words are just rehearsed in the self-righteous echo-chamber of my heart, or whether those words make it through my lips, piercing the heart of others with harm.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, all day long today you will be kind and compassionate towards me. So be and speak though me to others. All for your glory… Amen.