A Prayer About Words That Hurt

When my speech causes pain

DEAR GOD,

I’m a words person. I use them to persuade, sell, bargain, and challenge. I think I write fairly well and have a decent vocabulary. Unfortunately, today I used this gift in a way you did not intend. I used words to cut someone down to size. It was an insulting e-mail quickly composed and sent. Soon after, I regretted my action, but the damage had been done. Now I have to repair that relationship—please help me. This incident reminded me of similar occasions of ripping others with my words. In those moments, my mind quickly releases hateful expressions that become weapons. On other occasions I meant no harm, but thoughtless comments caused pain. Sometimes I wonder about the source of those words and how I can be so insensitive and even cruel. Certainly they flow from my sinful nature, so I need your restraining power, Lord. Please show me a better way to express my displeasure without attacking the person. Even when I know I am right or have been wronged, may my words be filled with grace.

I [David] said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” But as I stood there in silence—not even speaking of good things—the turmoil within me grew worse. The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words. Psalm 39:1-3