A Hot Mess and Her Mouth

Wouldn't it be great if we all said the exact right thing all the time...and kept our mouths closed when appropriate? I am a long way from that goal (remember? I'm a hot mess...), but it's still not only my goal, but my heart's desire! I long to honor God with my mouth.

That's why I thought it would be good to share these verses along with a specific prayer. Because prayer for our mouths (what we do AND don't say) is a very good and necessary thing!

One of the keys to guarding our mouths is knowing Scripture, which acts like an inner restraint in our hearts, and we know that out of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).

Here are three verses that I need to tape to my forehead. *grin*

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (Ephesians 4:29)

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. (James 1:26)

These verses are a lot to live up to, and I know I certainly fall short. But we have to trust that as we grow in Christ, as He increases and we decrease (John 3:30), and as we learn to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh (Galatians 5:16), we can grow in this area.

A Prayer for Your Mouth

Lord, my heart’s desire is to control my mouth. I confess that I sometimes say things I shouldn’t—things I regret. Will you please help me to grow and mature in this area? Set a guard over my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips. Keep me aware that You hear every word I speak. Help me to control my tongue. May no reckless words come out of my mouth; but may my tongue bring healing. Let my words be good and helpful and encouraging. May the words I speak honor You and bless those around me. In Jesus’s name, Amen.