The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: James 3:1-12 // Psalm 49

“From the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not be so.”
James 3:10

Sanctified Speech

There is a tremendous power in words. This power can either used for good and a blessing, or it can be for evil and a curse. God does not want us to use our tongues in a bad way. He doesn’t want us – and others – to be destroyed by the evil that is in our hearts and that can come out through our words.
That is why God Himself has spoken. He has spoken out of His heart of love. He has spoken redemptively through Jesus. He has spoken and acted out His Word to us in a manger, on a cross, and from and empty tomb. He speaks to us in a special way in Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.
Jesus’ silence under suffering atoned for our sins of speaking too hastily and too much. Jesus’ words atoned for our cowardly silence when we should have witnessed boldly. Jesus is God’s Good News, the Word made flesh, who communicates to us His love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness.
Our tongues can be a great power for healing and good among people. God’s spirit unlocks our tongues and move us to a level of conversation and speech that glorifies God and wins over souls to Christ.

O Jesus, Word of God incarnate, help us to be Your living words here and now. Amen.

June 23, 1993