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A Prayer About Gospel-Speak

A Prayer About Gospel-Speak
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:29-30
Glorious Triune God-Father, Son and Holy Spirit, how I praise you for the incalculable riches of redemption you have so freely and fully given me, and the whole family of God. Father, for planning such a stunning salvation; Jesus, for accomplishing all things necessary for my complete salvation; Holy Spirit for faithfully applying the work of Jesus to my whole being… I wish I had adequate words to express my gratitude, but my words fail me.
That being said, I don’t want my words to fail you, merciful and grace-full God. You spoke words… giving life to my dead spirit, and giving me both the will and wherewithal to believe the gospel. Forgive me when I speak words, or even think words, which have the opposite effect-bringing discouragement, decay, even death… even to the hearts of those you have given me to love.
Holy Spirit, you so very gladly gossip the good news of the gospel to my heart-incessantly telling me that I really am a beloved child of Abba, Father. Yet, I all too easily grieve you by simply gossiping, or by using my heart, tongue and words in unwholesome (gangrenous) ways. Forgive me and change me. So fill my heart with the beauty and bounty of Jesus that, like Balaam’s ass, I cannot help but offer blessings and beneficial words. Train my heart and tongue in gospel-speak.
You have sealed me for the day of redemption. I don’t want to sadden you with words of deconstruction. I am called to build up, not tear down. You study my needs and only speak helpful words to my heart, Holy Spirit. Educate me in the needs of others that I might, likewise, only speak words of benefit and edification-even when that requires saying the hard things.
Lord Jesus, we praise you for taking the Father’s word of final judgment on the cross, that we might hear him speak the words of complete redemption in our hearts. So very Amen we pray, with gratitude and humility.

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