“Give unto me, O Lord, a watchful heart and a bridled tongue, that I neither speak foolishly, nor unadvisedly offend any of thy little ones. Let my words be seasoned with grace, framed in truth, and guided by thy Holy Spirit, that I may edify the hearers, comfort the weak, and glorify thy holy name. Keep me from idle talk, from slander and unprofitable speech, and grant that my mouth may ever be an instrument of thy praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
—Thomas Becon (1512 – 1567), English Reformation Preacher
Source: Thomas Becon, Prayers and Other Pieces (London: John Day, 1560), 142.
Reflection: Where in my daily conversations do I most need God’s help to restrain harmful speech and strengthen words that build others up?