A Prayer about a Well-Used Mouth

"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. (Eph. 4:29-30)

Prayer: Glorious Triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - I praise you for the incalculable riches of redemption you've lavished on us in the gospel. Father, for planning such a stunning salvation; Jesus, for accomplishing all things necessary for our complete Salvation; Holy Spirit, for faithfully applying the work of Jesus to us. I wish I had adequate words to express my gratitude, but me words fail me.

That being said, I don't want my words to fail you, gracious God. You spoke the Word that gave life to my dead spirit - giving me both the will and the wherewithal to believe the gospel. Forgive me when I speak words, or even think words, that have the opposite effect on others, bringing discouragement, decay, even death... train my heart and tongue in gospelspeak. Make me fluent in the vocabulary of heaven. Convict me quickly when my words are poorly chosen or intentionally hurtful or there are simply too many of them.

You've sealed me for the day of redemption, I don't want to sadden or grieve you by a foolish and hurtful misuse of words.  I'm called to build up, not tear down. You study my needs and speak only helpful words to my hearts. Educate me in the needs of my family and friends that I might likewise speak only words of encouragement and hope - even when that requires saying the hard things.

Lord Jesus, we praise you for taking the Father's word of final judgment on the cross, that we might hear him speak the words of complete welcome and acceptance in our hearts I pray in you holy and loving name. Amen.

Candy's thoughts: "Gospelspeak." This is my new favorite word that spell-check didn't like. I can only imagine how better all types of relationships would be if we adhered to gospelspeak whenever we entered into conversations with those we love.

I also liked Scotty Smith's addition of the phrase about words, "...or there are simply too many of them."  I immediately thought of Proverbs 10:19: "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent."

Oh dear God, make us all prudent children. Amen.