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Prayer Tip: The Power of Our Words

September 4, 2022
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Daily Scripture

James 1:19b-20 (CEB), 1:26 (NIV), 3:8b-10 (CEB), and 4:11a (CEB)

Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. This is because an angry person doesn’t produce God’s righteousness.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

[The tongue] is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we both bless the Lord and Father and curse human beings made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come from the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, it just shouldn’t be this way!

Brothers and sisters don’t say evil things about each other.

Prayer Tip

by Jess Lovell, Pastoral Intern at Resurrection Overland Park. She is also pursuing an M.Div. at Saint Paul School of Theology. She is a Certified Candidate for Ministry in the Great Plains Conference and often provides pulpit supply to churches in the conference. Jessica lives in Lenexa and has 3 children: Sydney, Sierra and Aiden.

We learn many lessons from our family when we are small children. Since I was an enthusiastic child with much energy, my Mom often told me to “think before I speak.” As a young child who learns from those around me, I quickly learned in my family that if I didn’t insert myself and my opinions quickly, I would not get a word in at all! Much like anyone else, I learned how to refine those skills over the years, sitting back and being an active listener rather than speaking all the time.

Right now, in our world, so many people yearn to be heard. In James, we learn how much power our words have and that we need to be mindful when speaking to one another. James clearly says that Christians should always strive to tame the tongue, harness the power, and use it for good. Part of controlling our words is also being mindful of our emotions. Let us not bottle them up but practice strategies where we can healthily express ourselves so that we are not harming others in the process.

Let us pray:
Holy and Gracious God, giver of all gifts, remind us that you gave us gifts so we may better the world and not cause harm. Remind us in those heated moments with loved ones that we need to take a deep breath and calm our hearts so we can best represent the love you sent into the world. Remind us to open our ears as so many need to be heard, O God. We are so grateful for our words so we can articulate the power and the glory of your Kingdom here on Earth and evermore. Amen.