“Sanctify my thoughts, words, and deeds; that whatsoever I think, speak, or do, may be pleasing in thy sight. Set a watch before my mouth, and keep the door of my lips, that I offend not with my tongue. Make my words such as may edify others, and glorify thee. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of my mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying. Purge my heart, and cleanse my spirit, that my speech may be seasoned with grace, and my life may show forth thy praise.”
—Lewis Bayly (c. 1575–1631), Welsh Anglican bishop and author of The Practice of Piety
Source: Lewis Bayly, The Practice of Piety (London: John Hodgets, 1599), 42.
Reflection: Where does my daily speech most need God’s sanctifying grace so that my words become instruments of edification?