Daily Prayer
The Word:
Proverbs 15:1 (HCSB) A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.
My observation:
I have written on the first page of one of my hard copy study bible a verse that is my prayer every time I open my bible to read the Word of God.
Psalm 119:18 (HCSB) Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wonderful things from Your instruction.
Today, I did not have to read very far to see what the Lord wanted me to contemplate from his wonderful words of instruction. The reading of Proverbs 15 and then Psalm 39 confirmed what my eyes first saw, and my heart first response.
Some translations use soft speech, but I like the choice of gentle used in the Holman version. This highlights the conciliatory nature of the verse. The gentle word restores peace where there is conflict. The choices we make when we open our mouth are important. Words are powerful, and how we speak matters. The Old Testament has a wonderful example of the power of gentle speech, and its ability to diffuse conflict.
Judges 8:1-3 (HCSB) 1 The men of Ephraim said to him, “Why have you done this to us, not calling us when you went to fight against the Midianites?” And they argued with him violently. 2 So he said to them, “What have I done now compared to you? Is not the gleaning of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? 3 God handed over to you Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian. What was I able to do compared to you?” When he said this, their anger against him subsided.
My inspiration:
Psalm 39:1 (HCSB) I said, “I will guard my ways so that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are in my presence.”
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am greatly encouraged by the knowledge that I don’t have to attempt to control my tongue by my human strength alone.
Father God, I thank you and I praise you that you provided for your children a helper. Therefore, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, I can guard my mouth.
Oh, Holy Spirit of God, I ask that you enable and help me today to speak gentle words that will restore peace where there has been confusion and conflict. Help me Holy Spirit to be meek and gentle like Jesus.
My song:
Jesus, Meek and Gentle (Click on link below for lyrics and midi):