30 Scripture Based Prayers for Your Marriageنموونە

Jesus, guard our mouths and guide our words.

In Psalm 141:4 (NIV) we are given a warning to “set a guard over our mouths.” Not only that, but this verse is a prayer. It is an ask that the Lord himself would watch over what we say. This verse shows us that we need God’s help in order to control our words.

One of my favorite people on the whole planet is my children’s former minister (and her husband). She delighted in children, delighted in God’s Word, and delighted in pointing them to Jesus. One of the very first lessons my children took home from her was about their speech. She encouraged them to ask themselves a few questions before they ever opened their mouth to someone else.

Is it kind?

Is it helpful?

Is it encouraging?

Is it true?

I find myself using this same thing when conversations get heated in our home. Because the truth is, you can answer ¾ of those questions with a “yes” and it’s still not something you need to say. The gold standard is 4/4, and if it doesn’t meet that standard then it ought not be said.

But if I’m really honest…I don’t live by that at all. I feel justified in saying just about anything that comes to mind to my husband, even when it’s not kind or helpful, and it’s definitely not encouraging.

Our words hold so much power that the psalmist in 141 literally asks the Lord to guard the door of his lips, to set guard over his mouth! I can’t imagine he would ask for the Lord’s help if he didn’t fully understand the repercussions of uncontrolled words. Let your words be kind. Encourage your spouse, not just with flattery but with truth. Encourage them in their roles and point them to the Lord, and be sure that what you’re actually saying is true.

Today’s Prayer:

Lord, help my words to be laced with kindness and encouragement as I offer truth to my spouse. Guard my heart and tongue from careless talk, harsh words, and false accusations. Bless our conversations so that we may honor you and draw near to one another.