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.