Morning prayer · 6 December

Guard my mouth

A small wooden gate with a simple latch stands at the threshold of an open mouth shape drawn as a doorway, the latch gently closing itself as a shepherd's crook rests nearby, pointing out toward a few scattered sheep in the distance it hopes not to startle, with the words “guard my mouth” lettered by hand.

Lord, set a guard over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. My words will show if I’m right or wrong, because what’s in the heart comes out of the mouth. Keep my heart right, Lord, and then my words will be right. Keep me from careless, irritable or hasty words. Keep me from hurting or scaring people with what I say. I’m afraid that sometimes, even as I try to call after your lost sheep wandering in the wild, I might scare them further from you. Lord Jesus, how kind your words were! Make my words kind, so people can tell I’ve been with you. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart please you, Lord, my strength and my rescuer. Amen.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14 (BSB)

Adapted from Lucy Rider Meyer, Some Little Prayers (1907), in plain words. The verse is from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). Drawing: Mutter.