Let no evil talk come out of your mouths,
but only what is useful for building up,
as there is need,
so that your words may give grace to those who hear.
—Ephesians 4.29
God, you know what a temptation it is
to whine and complain. To criticize and judge.
Free me for something better.
Even in the shadow of evil and injustice
I can speak your grace,
I can utter your endless possibilities.
May my words be light, not dimness,
a sun that shines,
even in deepest darkness.
May my words build up and bless,
create space for newness,
be the living alternative to the evil I decry.
Speak your grace through me.
May I be a person of my word,
and my word be goodness.
—August 13, 2018