The Power Of Words

Proverbs 12:18

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Words are very powerful. God used His Word to create everything that exists. He has made us in His very image, in His likeness, and our words also have amazing power. We can both build up and tear down relationships with our words. I know that I need to be very careful with my own words, because in the past I have wounded others and erected barriers; and I have also been able to mend feelings and heal relationships, all with words. I know that I need to think first, considering how the hearer may receive the words I utter, text and email.

O my Father, I know that my words have pierced like a sword! Please, Father, help me be mindful, not absent-minded, in the midst of whatever is happening! Keep Your arm around my shoulder and Your hand over my mouth. Give me Your wisdom, and let kindness be under my tongue; that Your words on my tongue may bring healing! Teach me to rely on You in the crunch of this life, that Your ways would be my instinct, not the ways of my flesh!

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

No Weapon

Isaiah 54:17

"No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me," declares the Lord.

O my Father, grant me the strength to prevail over whatever weapons are forged against me, and the wisdom and grace to refute what accusations may have gone out against me. Father, vindicate me, in Your way and in Your time, according to Your plans for me to fulfill Your purposes.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

A Refuge

Proverbs 10:29

The way of the Lord is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.

O my Father, teach me Your ways that I may walk in Your way; let me take refuge under Your wings.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Weighed Answers

Proverbs 15:28

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

O my Father, please help me to weigh my answers, and not let my mouth gush out answers that are defensive or offensive. Remind me who You are and who I am in You, and who others are in You, also. Teach me how to love others as You love them.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Unity In Love

John 17:23

May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.

O my Father, please work in us to bring us to that complete unity! Begin with families, even my own family -- bring us to unity in You, that we may show the world Your love. O Father, Your love is so great, full, complete! Your love makes me complete; it also makes my family members complete: Let that fullness of Your love unite us as one, even as You are one! Then let my family show the world Your love for them, and spread to all the families on Earth!

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Singleness Of Heart And Action

Jeremiah 32:38,40b

They will be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them singleness of heart and action....I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.

O my Father, please give me focus--singleness of heart and action. Inspire me to fear You, to be aware of Your attention on me as I interact with others. Teach me to listen to others to hear the desires and needs of their hearts, not just the surface of their words. Grant me Your compassion for others!

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

God's Ways Or My Own?

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

O  my Father, please continue to teach me to trust in You rather than my own understanding; let me not go off in my own strength, but rely on You and Your ways. Teach me of Yourself and lead me in the straight paths of Your righteousness.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!