Prayer: Grant Almighty God that you would help us, your redeemed people, serve you this day with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength as you have commanded us to do, knowing that it is pleasing in your sight. We praise you for your kindness, compassion, and patience with us. We are slow to learn and obey the commands given in your Word. We know they are provided to help us as you know our frame and know we are but dust. We confess that we are prone to wander, and we sometimes do so deliberately. We desire our religion to be pure and right, but we confess that we often use our tongues in ways that are not pleasing to you. With the same mouth, we bless and praise you, and with the same mouth, we slander and gossip. We confess this vile sin and look to you to help us erect a muzzle over our mouths. Please help us to use our words for comfort and encouragement. Please help us love our brothers and sisters so that no evil speech will come by way of our tongues.
Scripture Meditation: James 3:1-12; 4:11-12; Ps. 103:14; Eph. 4:29-32