Using Purely Motivated Words

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

—Ephesians 4:29 (NASB)

Father God,

Let every word I say be lovingly truthful and purely motivated by Your Spirit within me—so that the words I speak will only be those which are necessary to edify, encourage and give grace to those who might be listening.

Help me never to speak words that are slanderous, foul, corrupt, polluting, hurtful or abusive—words that will poison the minds and infect the hearts of others with evil.

Instead, help me only to speak words that are wholesome, helpful, truthful, and that encourage the spiritual growth of others—always spoken in love and at the right time—words which are appropriate for the occasion and the need of the moment.

Help me to remember that there may be those to whom I am not directly speaking, who will overhear my words—so let me always represent my Lord and Savior well, in what I say.

Let every word I say be lovingly truthful and purely motivated by Your Spirit within me—so that the words I speak will only be those which are necessary to edify, encourage and give grace to those who might be listening.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Putting Out The Fire

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

—Proverbs 26:20 (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

Help me to keep myself from being like the wood in a fire—to keep myself from being that one who fuels the fires of contention and strife by gossiping about others.

Let the thoughts, motives and intents of my heart be pure and holy—as You have called me to holiness—so that the meditations of my heart will produce good fruit in both my words and my actions.

Help me to refuse to listen to gossip and to challenge anyone who repeats gossip to repent—that we all might benefit from the resulting peace and unity that will come when gossip stops.

Help me to only speak truth—and to speak that truth in love—so that everything that comes out of my mouth will be for the encouragement and edification of anyone who might hear.

Help me to keep myself from being like the wood in a fire—to keep myself from being that one who fuels the fires of contention and strife by gossiping about others.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.