Everyone sticks their foot in their mouth at some time or another. The Bible tells us the tongue is difficult to control. The Bible also tells us the tongue can cause tremendous damage, like a spark that starts a forest fire. Fortunately, we have been given the power of the Holy Spirit to help us control our tongues and use them to glorify God. The following prayers are guides to help you talk to God about using your words in God-honoring ways.
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! – Psalm 34:12-13 NLT
Father, You call me to lovingly serve others. That is the kind of life I want! Please fill my heart and mouth with words of grace and truth that honor You and encourage others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. – Proverbs 10:11 NLT
Lord, I struggle with saying unloving things, when I know it’s better for me to offer words of encouragement. Help me spend more time with You to renew my mind. I know that only then will my words be a fountain of life to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. – Proverbs 10:19 NLT
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your help to hold my tongue when I want to lash out at those who have hurt me. Help me follow Your example and entrust myself to You when I feel mistreated or misunderstood. Amen.
The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. – Proverbs 10:21 NLT
Lord, You have satisfied my soul so many times. I want to be used by You to bring that same encouragement to others. Fill my heart with words that inspire those I come across each day. Show me how to strengthen and encourage the people in my life to follow You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. – Proverbs 10:31 NLT
Father, I know that what goes into my mind and what is cultivated in my heart will bear fruit that either builds others up or tears them down. Give me a hunger to fill up on Your Word so my words will be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet. – Proverbs 11:12 NLT
Father, thank You for bearing with me in my struggle to grow in my faith. Thank You for Your grace when I stumble and fall. Help me show Your patient love to those around me and to give them grace to grow. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. – Proverbs 12:18 NLT
Lord, Your words are life-giving and filled with hope. I confess my words can be thoughtless and hurtful. Please forgive me. Through Your Holy Spirit’s power, give me words that heal instead of words that wound. Amen.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. – Proverbs 15:1 NLT
Lord Jesus, I want peace in my relationships but so often I react to others in anger, fear, or frustration. I want to react differently. Help me to respond with a gentleness that calms conflict and brings healing. In Jesus’ name, amen.
