Day 7 of Prayer: Words

Lately, I've been thinking about the words that come out of my  mouth, especially the ones that would make my mother and mother-in-law blush. I think how can I be a Christian if my mouth wanders so far off from what should please God? I want my words to reflect what Psalm 19:14 says, "May the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be acceptable (or pleasing) in your sight, O' Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer." I think that cliche: garbage in equals garbage out. How am I to be an example of Christ to my family if I can't control my tongue? I am reminded of what the following passage says:


James 3: 1-12

1Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ² We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴ Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Father,
As David says in Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Help me to have a clean heart. May the words that leave my mouth be a reflection of what is in my heart.  Let my words glorify you and your renown. I want to be a mother that shows her child(ren) what it means to honor you and how to control what she says by thinking of you first. Help me to be mindful of those around me. Help me to remember that no matter what, I never know who is listening and that I should always use my tongue as an opportunity to build up rather than tear down. 
Amen.  

**Next day here**