Today’s Key Scripture

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

— Psalm 141:3

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

James tells us how powerful our speech is, writing, “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and it is set on fire by hell” (James 3:5-6).

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

Prayer controls our tongue in two important aspects:

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

Pray daily for God to help you to use your tongue in 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 want what You desire in my life. Help me think, talk, and act in alignment with Your Word. Help me dwell in Your presence, 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, Jesus, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.