Monday September 25, 2023

Today is Monday, September 25 and this week we are exploring what the Bible says about the power of words.

As I begin to observe these fifteen minutes of prayer, I pause and become still. I breathe deeply and slowly. I refocus my busy mind upon God and seek to experience his abiding presence.

Pause and Pray

God, you are holy, you are mighty, you are Lord of all. I worship and praise you. Enable me to open my mind and heart to hear the message you have for me today. Speak to me through the power of your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

I seek the Lord my God and lift up the ancient words of Psalm 39.

I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked.” So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue. Psalm 39:1-3

Pause and Pray

The Bible tells us that words are a powerful thing. Words can build up or break down, increase good or advance evil, proclaim truth or spread lies. Having the ability to speak is a great responsibility and I am to be a good steward of the words I use. I must learn to exercise self control over my tongue. Matthew 15 is a scene of conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees and teachers of the law. They debate with one another about what is deemed “clean” and “unclean.” Jesus calls the crowd to him and explains that what comes out of a person’s mouth is what makes him or her unclean. I listen as Jesus is speaking these words to me.

“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them. Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.” Matthew 15:11,17-20

Jesus’ teaching causes me to pause and carefully reflect on the words I speak. I utter an enormous number of words in the course of a day. I take inventory of my conversations with the people with whom I live and work. I consider the words I speak on the cell phone, the words I communicate in emails, the words of text messages, and the comments I post on social media. These words arise from my heart and mind. These words originate within me, the result of a deep tangle of emotions, thoughts and feelings. These words have the power to do good or harm.

Ask: As I look back over the past twenty-four hours and examine my speech, how have I used words to build up? To break down?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for your teaching on the importance of the words I speak. Give me a renewed understanding of the importance of communication, whether it is in verbal or written form. Examine my heart for evil thoughts that spawn words unworthy of the call you have placed upon my life. Jesus, I read your words again and listen for the specific message you have for me today.

What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them. Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.” Matthew 15:11,17-20

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

The word “defile” means to mar, desecrate, pollute or degrade. I consider the words I have spoken that could defile me, perhaps words of intolerance, violence, hatred, or unfaithfulness. Words that are lies or half truths. Words of gossip that could harm a person’s reputation or spread false information. Words of abuse that do not honor another person but belittle them. Words have the power to heal or hurt, to strengthen or weaken. Words matter. I want to pay greater attention to the words I speak, write, share, text and post.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, I invite you into my heart to examine the motivations of the words I share with the people around me. Give me a greater awareness of the power of words. Inspire my heart to convey words of truth, love and encouragement. Prevent my lips from speaking lies, sowing division or causing harm. Amen.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:1-4

I leave this time of prayer renewed by the good word of God. Let me speak words that build up and strengthen everyone I meet.

Amen