“If you cannot close the mouth of one who reviles his brother, at least avoid conversation with him.” –St. Isaac the Syrian

Prayer

God of love,

Forgive us for those times when we fail to guard our tongues and cut others down with our words. Help us protect one another from hurtful speech and cultivate spaces where conversation gives life. Let our words be used to build each other up and to support a healing environment where people are free to be authentic and sincere. And if nothing else, help us follow the wisdom of the ages: if there’s nothing nice to be said, don’t say anything at all! Amen.

Call to Action

How am I using my words to build a culture of healing and encouragement open to others? Be deliberate today either to speak life or to be silent.