Apples of God in Settings of Silver

Apples of Gold in Settings of Silver

9/1/2019

Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks!

This timeless truth can be a blessing or a curse, depending on what’s in our hearts. Most people long to be heard, to be understood, and to make an impact. To do this, we need to pray not just for right thoughts and right words, but also for right timing as we speak. Our words must "fit" the moment, like apples of gold in settings of silver.

As I study the topic of communication, I am amazed at how many Bible verses speak to the issue of right words, right thoughts and right timing. This post comes as a result of finding over 100 verses to meditate on, and there are still many more!

One of my favorite ways to pray is to take Scriptures and turn them into prayers, personalizing them so that they become powerful to me. Today, I want to share with you a personal “crafted prayer” - a prayer that I compiled from those Bible verses to build confident, compelling communication skills.

Use this prayer in your own quiet times to ask the Lord to improve your ability to listen, speak, and love as you interact with those in your sphere of influence!

(*Want a printable version? Click here or visit your Subscriber Resource Library anytime for a copy.)

A PRAYER FOR CONFIDENT, COMPELLING COMMUNICATION

Father, I believe that my words are powerful and effective in heaven and on earth! They bring increase because they are rooted in Your Word and in righteousness, bearing fruit daily and satisfying every need.

Let my speech always be drenched with grace and compassion, tempered with the “salt” of truth, making people thirsty for more of You. I trust that You will show me how to answer people in every situation and that the words You give me will make disciples in every nation.

I decree that everything I say leads to peace, comfort, encouragement, and edification. My thoughts are focused on Your Word, Lord, so the words I speak are like Your oracles. I choose to honor others with my speech so that my prayers are not hindered.

I am full of the Spirit of the Lord and possess wisdom, knowledge, understanding and the fear of the Lord. I do not foolishly answer before I listen, but I am quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. I take great pleasure in understanding people and refrain from expressing only my own opinions. The Lord guards my mouth and keeps watch over my words!

I do not lie to people but speak truthfully, knowing that we belong to one another. My words release forgiveness, healing, cleansing, and restoration to those around me, helping others grow up into Christ. I always speak the truth in love, and when I bring correction to a friend it is rooted in faithfulness, integrity, and love, restoring and sharpening them.

I never gossip, slander, or accuse others falsely. Because I hold my tongue, I keep myself out of trouble!

I bless and do not curse, resisting the temptation to revile others in return for unfair or evil accusations against me. I don’t stay offended by strife and I don’t take to heart everything people say. God is my shield and every fiery dart of the enemy lodges itself in the protective armor God has given me! No weapon formed against me prospers, and every tongue that rises up in judgment against me is condemned. My gracious words will justify me in the end, preserving my very life.

I believe that soft, gentle answers turn away wrath. Therefore I think carefully before I respond to conflict or disputes. I know I will give an account for every careless word I speak, so I choose to speak life-giving words instead of words that produce only death.

When I do speak, my words become treasures, winning me favor, love, and delight with kings. Even rulers are persuaded by my patience, and the strongest resistance is overcome by my gentleness. My enemies are won over, awakened to God’s love by my kindness.

Your Word, O God, is near me, in my heart and on my lips, alive and powerful and piercing like a double-edged sword in all my prayer-battles. I share the testimonies of Jesus daily and freely from my heart, and those who walk with me become wise as the wisdom of God rubs off on them. I welcome prophecies, and I never worry that I’ll forget something because the Holy Spirit is my helper, reminding me of what I am to say.

I am a disciple-maker, a Kingdom-builder, and encourager and a leader - all because You, Lord, have opened my ear to hear and my mouth to speak. Boldness empowers me and signs and wonders follow me as I speak.

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer! Amen.

Scripture References: Prov 18:20; Col. 4:6; Rom 14:19; 1 Thes 5:11; Eph 2:16; 2 Tim 3:6-7; 1 Pet 3:7; Pr 18:12; James 1:19; Pr 18:2; Pr 10:19; Ps 141:3; Eph 4:25; Pr 12:18; Eph 4:32 ;Pr 25:21; Pr 25:15; Pr. 27:5-6; Pr. 27:17; Pr. 21:23; 1 Pet 3:9; Ecc 7:21-22; Pr. 15:1; Pr. 20:3; Pr. 15:28; Mt. 12:36; Pr. 18:21; Pr 16:13; Eph 5:26; Ecc 10:12; Pr 25:21; Pr 25:15; Heb 4:12-13; 1 Thes 5:21-22; Jn 14:26; 1 Jn 5:10; Ps 71:15-16; Ps. 22:22; Jn 15:26-27; Acts 4:29-30; Rom 10:8; Deut 30:14; Ps 19:14. (Scriptures taken from ESV and TPT translations)