Years ago, I prayed this little prayer. It became a prayer that defined the desires of my heart, so I wrote it down. It hung on a sticky note on my desk. I wrote it on a 3×5 index card and tucked it in my Bible.
I had it hanging over the sink in my kitchen so every time I did the dishes (which seemed like all day long), it was a constant reminder that what I do and what I say matter. I’m not saying I’ve been perfect at it, but it’s what I strive for.
And when I woke up today, these were the first words I thought of and the first words I spoke.
In everything I do, Lord, I want to honor You.
Let every word I say bring glory to Your Name.
Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” And I love The Passion Translation, which says, “Let every word you speak be drenched with grace.”
Every word we speak counts. Not just the ones in the pulpit (for me). Not just the ones between Dear Heavenly Father and In Jesus’ Name Amen! We will give an account for EVERY idle word. (Matthew 12:36) Every idle word we speak. Every idle word we type. Every idle word we post.
And once spoken, they’re out there. We can’t get them back. Ever said anything you’ve regretted? I sure have. Lord, help us.
Our actions also carry the potential to bring glory to God. Or not. Matthew 5:16 tells us, “Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Worship is not limited to what we sing in the first 20 minutes of a church service. Read Romans 12:1-2 if you don’t believe me. I’ll say it again. Every little action we do carries potential to either bring glory God or disgrace His Name. The choice is ours.
Lord, help us all.
Everyone wants to do great things for God. But “Great Things” don’t just happen. Like a house, they are built brick by brick over time. Compared to the size of a house, bricks are tiny and insignificant. But when you put them together, they build a huge structure.
And the bricks that build our lives consist of what we do and what we say. Each individual word may seem insignificant, but when we put them all together, they define us.
What do you want yours to say about you?
In 2022 let’s guard our words and guard our actions. Let’s be intentional with what we do and say so our words and deeds bring hope and life and love instead of sowing division and discord and dishonor.
Will you join me in making this your prayer for twenty22?
In everything I do, Lord, I want to honor You. Let every word I say bring glory to Your Name. Give me the strength and grace I need to be intentional and measured with what I do and what I say. Help me speak the truth in love when needed and to hold my tongue in silence when necessary. Love through me this year. I yield myself to Your service, not just in the big things, but in my daily words and actions that build my life brick by brick. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
