In today’s fast-paced world, where words can be spoken in haste and emotions can drive our responses, the call to guard our words becomes more relevant than ever. The ability to speak with kindness, wisdom, and grace is not just a personal virtue; it is an essential part of nurturing healthy relationships, especially within the family. The prayer shared above serves as a powerful reminder of the impact our words have on others and the importance of using our speech to build people up rather than tear them down.
The prayer begins with a simple but profound request:
“Lord, do not let any unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This petition highlights the responsibility we bear in using our words wisely. Our speech should not be used to criticize, condemn, or create division, but rather to offer support, encouragement, and comfort. The words we speak can either build others up or tear them down — a stark reminder of the power of our tongue.
The request is not only about what we say, but how we say it. In this prayer, there is a clear desire to avoid speech that damages relationships or fosters negativity. The focus is on communication that nurtures, strengthens, and inspires, aligning with the biblical principle from Ephesians 4:29:
"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."
The prayer continues with a specific focus on the spirit we cultivate within ourselves.
“Lord, I don’t want my children to detect a critical spirit in me, or jealousy, or even a lack of faith or discontent.”
As parents, mentors, and leaders, it is essential that we examine the spirit behind our words. A critical or negative spirit can seep into our speech, influencing the way we communicate, particularly with those closest to us — such as our children. A critical spirit can leave lasting scars and undermine a child’s confidence. This prayer asks for God's help in purifying our hearts, ensuring that our words reflect the love, grace, and positivity we wish to foster.
A significant portion of this prayer is dedicated to the relationship between parents and children, emphasizing the importance of using words to build up rather than tear down.
“When it comes to how I address and correct my children, help me to build them up rather than tear them down.”
Correction is an essential part of parenting, but the way we correct can shape a child’s self-esteem and future behavior. This prayer is a reminder to approach correction with compassion and love, recognizing that our words can be a source of healing and growth rather than shame.
The prayer asks for discernment in knowing when a child needs love, grace, and forgiveness, especially in moments of failure:
“When they make mistakes or fail miserably, help me to discern when they need love, grace, and forgiveness instead of a lecture on what they should’ve done differently.”
In our children’s moments of failure, they need understanding, not judgment. While it is important to guide them, it is equally important to offer them the grace they need to learn from their mistakes without feeling condemned. This petition encourages parents to be compassionate and empathetic, offering their children the chance to grow in a safe and supportive environment.
The prayer ultimately calls us to be mindful of how we speak and how we approach the relationships that matter most. Whether it’s with our children, our spouses, our friends, or our colleagues, our words hold great power. As we strive to speak words that build others up, we align ourselves with the teachings of Jesus, who called us to love one another deeply and to speak with kindness, gentleness, and truth.
As we go through our daily interactions, let us remember the importance of guarding our words. They have the power to shape relationships, to offer comfort, and to bring healing. Let us speak with wisdom, humility, and love, always seeking to build up those around us. This prayer for guarding our mouths is a reminder that the words we speak should reflect the love and grace of the one who gave us the gift of speech — our Lord and Savior.
