The Words We Speak: A Prayer Inspired by Ephesians 4:29-32

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up…

God, you say when words are many, sin is not absent (Proverbs 10:19). I spoke too many words today – harsh, tearing down words – and I cannot get them back. Out of my heart’s overflow, they came before I stopped to measure the crushing weight of their impact. Out they came, in an instant, destroying the trust that had taken so much grace, time, and intentionality to build. Oh Father, forgive me for being quick to speak and slow to listen (James 1:19). I beg for your strength to help me hold my tongue until I can respond in gentleness. When words do come, help me not break the spirit of the hearer, but to speak with the life and grace that is found in you (Proverbs 15:4).

…as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Jesus, you came and gave of yourself and gifted me with grace far beyond what I deserve. There were times you could have defended yourself, but you remained silent (Matthew 26:63); times you were oppressed and afflicted, yet you did not open your mouth (Isaiah 53:7). Help me to default to your servant-leader, grace-filled ways when I speak, for you oppose the proud, but give grace to the humble (James 4:6). Oh God, I’m so sorry; it breaks my heart that my words could grieve your Spirit. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

God, I’ve held onto bitterness for far too long. I don’t want anger or resentment to take root in my heart and crowd out the fruit of your Spirit in me. Search me, oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). Instead of anger in me, let there be love. Instead of despair, let there be joy. Instead of conflict, let there be peace. Instead of frustration, let there be patience. Instead of hatred, let there be kindness. Instead of evil, let there be goodness. Instead of deceit, let there be faithfulness. Instead of harshness, let there be gentleness. Instead of chaos, let there be self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Instead of me, let there be more of you.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Father, thank you for forgiving me and transforming me to be more like you! In a cold and unforgiving world, keep my heart tender towards the things of you. Through the power of Your Spirit in me, let me open my mouth with wisdom, and let the teaching of kindness be on my tongue (Proverbs 31:26). Your patience and compassion towards me are astounding, Jesus. It’s your kindness that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). May my words bring your love, hope, healing, and reconciliation to those I encounter today.

Whitney

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WhitneyD

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      4. The blog today puts so eloquently what has been heavy on my heart, hard to explain and difficult for me to put into words. I am going to bookmark this to refer to often. Thank you do much for speaking to my heart today, Whitney!

  40. Amen… This is an amazing devotional. I never really think to remind myself to talk better to myself. Thank God for His teachings.

  44. AMEN!! I will be printing and putting on my mirror for a seasons to read daily!!! May you find many blessings healed upon your life just as this prayer is bring much healing to many hearts, minds, and souls!!

  48. Paul doesn’t say what we should not do; he tells us what we should be doing. Under the influence of God’s spirit, we will be moved to ‘say what is good for building up so that it may impart what is favorable to the hearers.’ Furthermore, we should not let a “rotten saying” come out of our mouth. The Greek word rendered “rotten” has been used to describe putrefying fruit, fish, or meat. Just as we are repulsed by such food, we hate speech that God considers bad. People should be able to discern that we are different when they hear what we say.

  58. I’m back again as I read this prayer. Crying because I knew to hold my tongue in an argument but need prayer because even the littlest spark can cause a fire. If you ever publish/ print this prayer out into a sign somewhere I can hang on the wall I’d love to buy it!

  62. Amen ? learning to hold my tongue a little more each day and listen with an open heart full of the Holy Spirit more and more!

  72. Amen! During this pandemic we need these prayers, thank you so much for sharing. God bless you. ?

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The Words We Speak: A Prayer Inspired by Ephesians 4:29-32
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