Don’t shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think.
Don’t be too quick to tell God what you think he wants to hear.
God’s in charge, not you—the less you speak, the better.
MATTHEW 6:8 (MSG)
Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need.
THE ESSENCE
Fast talking gets you nowhere with God.
DAILY FODDER
A 19th-century poet, Mary Ann Pietzker, encouraged us to ask three questions before speaking:
Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?
These words were intended to guide us in our discourse with other people, but I wonder if we might not use this wisdom to also guide our conversations with God. It could be good for our own spiritual health to say less.
PRAYER
Thank you for your word, which is a firm foundation in shaping my prayers and worship before you. Your Spirit is helping me in my weakness as I pray for your guidance. I'm sorry I speak out of turn without thinking. Watch the door of my lips to measure my words. Keep me grounded in your love and grace. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
