Season My Speech

Psalm 141: 3

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Proverbs 21: 23

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles.

I pray, O Lord, that You would set Your guard over my mouth, keep watch over the words that proceed out of my lips and fingertips; guide my thoughts and attitudes that I would remember to think before I speak or type, considering the hearers and how they may perceive my words. 

Teach me how to season my speech with Your lovingkindness and grace, that I may not criticize, but encourage and build up; that I may "encourage, comfort, and urge [them] to live lives worthy of God who calls [them] to live lives worthy of God Who calls [them] into His Kingdom and glory" (I Thessalonians 2:11-12), inviting them and inspiring them to return to You, O Lord!

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!