Take Control, O Lord!

Psalm 141: 3, 5

Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.
Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don't let me refuse it.

O my Father, my Abba Dad! Please take control of what I say and how I say it, with a guard on my lips and fingertips to pause before I express it. Please let the people in my study groups have the courage to confront me when I need it. Let them strike me to teach me the lessons You know I need to learn and apply in my life. And keep me humble before them to accept their counsel and rebukes. 

Father, help me to see them all as You see them, and give me the sisterly affection toward them that I need to feel as they are my sisters and brothers. Help me to build bridges between us, and to tear down any walls that may separate us. Help us all to be accountable to one another, confessing our sins to one another and praying for one another so that we may all be healed (James 5:16).

And as we obey You in following Your loving ways, You will get all the glory, for that's how You designed it to work.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!