“Lord, grant me the grace to speak little and wisely, to avoid idle talk, and to speak that which may edify and not offend.” –Attributed to Thomas à Kempis (1380 – 1471) Source: Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, trans. William Benham (London: J.M. Dent & Sons, 1908), Book I, Chapter 20. Reflection: “Do my words reflect a desire …
Quote of the Week, Communicating about God, Oswald Chambers
“It is perilously possible to make our conceptions of God like molten lead poured into a specially designed mould, and when it is cold and hard we fling it at the heads of the religious people who don’t agree with us.” –Oswald Chambers (1874 – 1917) Source (Amazon Associates Link): Disciples Indeed, 388 R Reflective question: In what ways might …
Quote of the Week, Being Christian, Ignatius of Antioch, First Century
“It is right, therefore, that we not just be called Christians, but that we actually be Christians.” —Ignatius of Antioch (c. 38 – c. 108 AD) Source: Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Magnesians, in Cyril C. Richardson, ed., Early Christian Fathers (New York: Macmillan, 1970), 89. Reflective Question: How does the integrity between what we say and how we …
A Prayer for Help, Restoration, and Justice, by Clement of Rome, First Century
“We beseech thee, Master, to be our helper and protector. Save the afflicted among us; have mercy on the lowly; raise up the fallen; appear to the needy; heal the ungodly; restore the wanderers of thy people; feed the hungry; ransom our prisoners; raise up the sick; comfort the faint-hearted.” —Clement of Rome (died, c. 100) Source: Clement of Rome, …
Quote of the Week, Speaking Truth, by Pope Leo 1, 5th Century
“Let the mouth of the Christian be trained to speak only what is true, what is just, what is kind. Let it be far from deceit, far from slander, far from idle talk. For the tongue is a servant of the heart, and the heart must be ruled by Christ.” –Pope Leo 1, 5th Century (c. 391 – 461) Source: …
A Prayer for Acceptable Speech, by Origen, 3rd Century
“May the words of our mouths and the thoughts of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our Helper and Redeemer. Teach us to speak only what is true, to listen with humility, and to proclaim Your wisdom with boldness and grace.” —Origen (c. 185 – c. 253) Source: Origen of Alexandria, On Prayer (Περὶ εὐχῆς), trans. John …
ICYMI, New Book, Words that Shape Us: How America’s Most Influential Evangelical Magazines Craft the Narrative of Christian Culture
Words that Shape Us: How America’s Most Influential Evangelical Magazines Craft the Narrative of Christian Culture Now Available Author: Ken Waters Foreword: John Ferré Purchase on Amazon (Associates Link) Total pages: 242 Price: $25.00 Purchase on Ingramsparks Words that Shape Us: How America’s Most Influentia …. Waters, Ken and Ferré, John Buy Now Description Words That Shape Us explores evangelicalism’s influence …
Quote of the Week, “Speech like the Mystery of the Altar,” by Paschasius Radbertus,
“Let your speech be like the mystery of the altar—reverent, incarnational, and full of awe. Speak not to explain away the sacred, but to enter it. For the Christian theologian must speak as one who has contemplated the Eucharist and found Christ present. In every doctrine, let your words be shaped by Scripture and lifted by worship. The tongue that …
A Prayer for the Stillness of Speech, by John Henry Newman, 19th Century
“Let your speech be like the stillness of doctrine—measured, mystical, and full of light. Speak not to argue, but to adore. For the Christian theologian must speak as one who has pondered mystery and found rest in reverence. In every reflection, let your words be shaped by Scripture and lifted by silence. The tongue that reasons with humility becomes a …
Quote of the Week, Words and Deeds, Alcuin of York, 9th Century
“Let your discourse be consistent with your life, that your words may teach no less than your deeds. Speak not to please, but to profit; not to flatter, but to edify. For the tongue of the wise is a tree of life, and the mouth of fools pours out folly.” — Alcuin of York (c. 735 – 804) Source: Alcuin …
