We long to be like you. You knew when to speak and when to be quiet. You knew when to speak gently and when to speak harshly. Your words cut to the heart of the matter and gave hope where hope was needed, instruction where instruction was needed, and conviction where conviction was needed. You used scripture to resist temptation and scripture to quiet those who sought to discredit you. Your parables revealed the heart of the Father, explained the Kingdom of Heaven, and shed light on man’s sinful nature. You spoke and lives changed. You spoke and creation obeyed.
Teach us to guard our words, Jesus. Teach us so that we, too, can speak words of life and hope and encouragement. May our words build up and not tear down. May we distinguish between our opinions and your truth and spend our breath speaking words of truth only. Give us wisdom, Jesus. Help us to know scripture and help us to use scripture as you did, to gently instruct and fiercely protect. Help us not to engage in foolish arguments and fruitless debates that lead to divisiveness. Let us speak truth in love and be peacemakers. Lead us so that we know when to speak, what to speak, and how to speak.
We confess to you, Jesus, that our tongues can cause so much hurt and confusion. Too often, our words push people away from you instead of drawing them to you. Forgive us. We need you, Jesus, to come and change our hearts because we know that our words reveal what is in our hearts. Do your sanctifying work that will make us useful tools for your kingdom. We ask, Jesus, that you would make us mouth pieces for your glory and your truth. We ask that you would use us to speak your truth which has the power to set captives free. Make us like you, Jesus.
Amen