Tag: speak

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Be a Better Listener

Gracious Father,
Good communication involves a variety of different elements, many of which are often ignored or overlooked. In a society that celebrates things like expressing oneself, speaking up, and activism, being a good listener at times seems to be a dying art. Help me to prioritize listening to others rather than focusing on making sure that others hear me. We feel valued when someone takes the time to listen to us, and I want others to sense that when I am communicating with them.

Keep me from listening only long enough to get in the next word. Guard me from being distracted or drifting as I listen, even when the topic or matter of discussion is of little or no interest to me, because the individual does matter to me. Give me discernment to know when others need to me to listen simply because they want to be heard or when they are looking for advice or a solution. Finally, provide me with plenty of practice listening in the best way possible, by hearing you speak to me daily through your Word. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Measure My Words

Gracious Savior,
When I allow myself to become angry or irritated, especially by someone else’s words or actions, that is when I am most likely to unleash an unfiltered and unloving response of my own, either verbally or from a keyboard. Such words have never contributed positively to better understanding or resolution, and they never will. Furthermore, that kind of communication isn’t just hurtful to my neighbor; it’s also sin against you, my God. Have mercy on me and forgive my many thoughtlessly spoken (or typed!) words!

Instead, help me to speak only what builds others up. Let my words be words of encouragement, that others may find them to be a breath of fresh air. Even when I am called to admonish or correct, the words I use, along with my tone and body language, should better reflect the loving motives of my heart. If I am to speak in a way that edifies others and honors you, I need to be able to first keep my emotions in check. Let your Holy Spirit guard and guide my heart, so that the words which flow from it serve my neighbor and are always pleasing in your sight.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Grace-Filled Speech

Dear Lord,
The gift of speech comes from you. As you demonstrated at the Tower of Babel, you are more than capable of correcting us when we take your gift of speech for granted or use it to defy or oppose you. At Pentecost, you also proved that language barriers and speech itself will not keep your work from being carried out as you determine. 

Speech can be used to destroy and tear down or to defend and built up. Help me to be thoughtful in my speech, pausing first to consider whether my own motives are pure or not. Then, help me discern how my words may be received by others before I open my mouth. Remind me that my comments or responses are not always necessary, and if they aren’t constructive or beneficial, it may be best simply to leave some things unsaid.  Direct me to speak well of others and to speak kindly, and let my words be a blessing to others. Guide my speech so that it is always marked by positivity and grace.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Use Words Wisely

Spirit of Wisdom,
There is a time to listen and a time to speak, and I pray for the wisdom to know the difference. The wisdom of Proverbs and the warnings of James highlight the damage the tongue can do when words are spoken carelessly. In order to ensure that my speech honors you, blesses others, and upholds my reputation, make me quick to listen and slow to speak.

Keep my pride in check, for it desires to manipulate conversations and somehow make them about me. Fill me with the humility to hear others out before I insist on being heard. Give me ears that seek to understand. When I am quick to speak, may it be to ask questions that bring forth clarity in my assessment of a situation. Let thoughtfulness, charity, and wisdom accompany my words, so that my speech builds up others with courage and confidence, uplifts and comforts those who are hurting, and appropriately rebukes and admonishes those who are in the wrong. Use my ears and my lips to produce a harvest of righteousness in your kingdom. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.