Today’s Key Scripture (all references NKJV unless otherwise noted:

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

—Psalm 141:3

How many times have you thought, “Oh, I wish I hadn’t said that!”?

The Bible tells us how powerful our speech is: “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth ! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (James 3:5-6, KJV).

Unfortunately, what we say can’t be erased and we must live with the consequences. Often our words are like boomerangs, causing more harm to us than the intended target.

Prayer controls your tongue in two important aspects:

  1. It keeps your mind on things that are true, pure and lovely (Philippians 4:8).
  2. Your words will reflect God’s Word. “My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness” (Psalms 119:172).

Pray daily for God to help you to use your tongue for His service as you speak words of kindness, praise, love, and encouragement. Through prayer, He can help you take custody of your tongue to avoid uttering words of criticism, slander, disrespect and even hate.

A Prayer for Today:

Good Morning, Holy Spirit! Guide my speech today as You draw me closer to You. Help me to want what You desire in my life. Help me think, talk, and act in alignment with Your Word. Help me to dwell in Your presence, to deal wisely in life, and live honorably in everything I do today. Reveal any areas in me that need correction and change. I want more of You and less of me. I pray all this in the Name above all names, Amen!