speak

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
- Ephesians 5:29


God, we give you our words:

spoken, written, whispered, dreamt.

Forgive us for the deep grooves and slices they have once made.

Forgive us for the shame, pain and anger they have aroused in our neighbours,

(whether intentional or not).

Redeem our tongues. Bring them under your authority once again.

Fill our mouths with grace and love,

that every utterance that departs them may glorify you and uplift your people.

Teach us the mystical words that encourage, heal, and love.

Help us to bite our tongues, and to not speak out of turn.

May we die to all prideful desires to speak and be heard.

Remind us that some things must remain sacred secrets between the two spirits within us.

Show us the things that we are shrouding with silence that must be thrust into the light.

Give us wisdom and discernment to know which is which.

May we not stifle a single word that is of you.

May we not give voice to a single word of dark evil, no matter how innocent.

May we honour you with your gift of language and literature. May we write and sing and shout continuous words of exaltation and beauty.

But, Lord, teach us also how to not speak. 

Teach us to come before you with a speechless, teachable and listening heart.

Show us what holy silence is.

Jesus, you are the One true Word. Humble us.

Amen.