Praying for “just the right words”

“Let your conversation be always full of grace.”    Col 4:6 NIV

Pray: “Lord, I join with the psalmist David and ask: ‘Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight’ (Ps 19:14). I realize that the words I speak have tremendous power, both in my own life and in my relationships. Your Word says, ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue’ (Pr 18:21). Teach me to always speak words that are true to Your Word and glorify You. Help me to be careful to speak words that build others up and not tear them down, that edify rather than criticize, that are spoken in love and truth and not twisted by my own desires and expectations, and that bring confidence and not discouragement. Where I have spoken words that are negative or harmful about anyone else, forgive me. Keep me from saying things that hurt or cut others down in any way. I want to be kind with my words and have the tongue of the wise that promotes healing and blessing (See Pr 12:18). Help me to have such faith in Your Lordship over my life that I can ‘do all things without murmurings and disputings’ (Php 2:14). Help me not to speak negative things about myself. And every time I start to say a critical word, help me to stop immediately and keep a lid on it. Your Word says, ‘Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt [in good taste], so that you may know how to answer everyone.’ Today let my words honor and glorify You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”

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