Day Eighteen: Don’t Say It, Pray It

 How often has your mouth gotten you in trouble? Words can do damage. Maybe you’ve heard this saying: It’s easier to get into trouble than to get out of it. The same is true with our words.  Once we’ve spoken them, we can’t take them back.  During our 21 Day Watch, we’ve been watching God.  But did you know that He’s also watching us?  The Bible teaches us to pray that He would especially help us watch our words:

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;  Keep watch over the door of my lips (NKJV Psalm 141:3).

This verse is my watchword for today.   I’ll be spending time with an extended family member who is wrestling with lots of personal issues.  I’ve asked  Lord to help me watch what I say.  I mean well, but over the years, my words have caused little change.  My loved one continues to make poor choices which have impacted her life and her family. For whatever reason,  I’m not the right person or it’s not the right time to say the hard things that need to be said.  This happens sometimes with the people we love most.  Do you have someone like that in you life?

I’m learning that sometimes it’s better to “pray it before I say it.”  If the person is not ready to hear what we have to say, or we can’t find the right words, we can pray first and trust God.  We can pray for Him to soften their heart.  Pray for them to listen to the Holy Spirit.  Pray for others to speak into their life. Pray for the wisdom to know what to say and when to say it.

“Don’t say it, pray it” is a good approach difficult conversations.  Here’s how I pray before I speak:

–Lord, increase my love for this person.

-Help me to get the “log” out of my own eye, so I may see the situation more clearly.

-Help me to see this person through Your eyes.

-Give me pure motives and remove any bitterness or unforgiveness.

-Fill me with courage to speak the truth in love, but only in Your timing.

-Show me the right words, Your words, that will bring healing and hope.

Does the Lord need to help you put a watch over your lips? Then you’re in good company.  Let’s believe together that He can do a miracle. That God will give you the strength to “pray it before you say it.”  That the story for your loved one is not over.  Until then, let’s keep watching with hope.