Tag: gossip

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Keep Me From Gossiping

Gracious Father,
Guard me from gossip on all fronts – from initiating it, from listening to it, and from passing it along to others. Should gossip ever reach our ears, let it die there. You call us not to tear down, discredit, or slander the reputation of others, but to speak well of them and defend them. When we justify discussing the negative words and actions of others because they’re true, what we don’t often realize – and need to confess – is that our hearts in those cases aren’t. Forgive me for speaking ill of others – even when it is the truth – when the motivations of my heart are malicious or unloving. Move me instead to use my words to build up and edify others, to praise and speak well of them, to guard and protect their reputation whenever I can, for a good name is a great treasure!

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Protect the Reputation of Others

Dear Lord,
When you call us to speak well of others and protect their reputation, that certainly includes telling the truth about them at all times. But it also means speaking up to defend them when that reputation is being slandered or called into question. Give me the courage to speak up for others who are not present or who cannot speak up for themselves. On the other side, make me bold enough to admonish or correct those who gossip or spread false rumors about others. Forgive me for when I’ve failed on both ends, and shape my heart to reflect yours in how I treat others, whether in their presence or not. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Speak Well of Others

Loving Lord,
Gossip is all around us. We live in a culture that effortlessly tears down, assumes the worst, and passes along negative information about others that may not even be true. I have been guilty of such speech and I have been on the receiving end of hurtful comments. We need to see that the problem isn’t only with the other person. Determining whether they did or didn’t do something in the first place or if they did, debating if it’s as grievous as charged, isn’t the only issue that needs attention.

The other part of the problem is my heart.

That’s the part of the issue I want to control. The way to keep my lips from malicious speech toward others is to guard my heart and mind from malicious thoughts. Regardless of what someone else did, I want to be aware of my own intent before I comment or share an opinion. Lead me always to assume the best of others and keep me from spreading slander and vitriol. Even when others have done wrong, let me see the wisdom in giving thoughtful consideration before offering any response. Help me to be quick to defend and speak well of others whenever possible and do not allow me to swim in the cesspool of society’s shocking speech. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.