Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

I was putting on chapstick last week, thinking about a conversation the day before, and I realized I had the wrong product.  What I really needed was something stronger, something that would prevent not just damage to my lips but from my lips.  I needed LipLock.  LipLock is a great product – it keeps your lips shut tight until your brain is fully engaged. And it’s temperature sensitive – if your temper is too hot or your heart too cold, your lips will not open.  Think how much damage LipLock could prevent!

There are times when I really wish I could take back my words.  Or that I could change the tone. Maybe you’ve felt this way, too. The conversation that was on my mind bothered me because I said some unkind things about someone who had been difficult to work with many years ago. I was surprised at the depth of my emotion after so much time. During this season of Lent we have been encouraged to examine our hearts. In doing so, I realized that my words reflected what was inside. I had not forgiven when I should have; instead I had superglued this grudge to my heart. A song based on Psalm 51:10 came to mind and I prayed it – Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me…  Dredging up the past can be hard, but God gave me a new, more objective perspective. It is amazing how healing it can be to forgive and to let go of past hurts.  Thanks be to God.

A prayer based on Psalm 19:14 and Psalm 51:10
Dear Lord,
Today as I prepare to start my day, I pray that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart will be pleasing in your sight. I pray that you will create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Help me to be forgiving, loving and kind. Thank you that each day is a new beginning.
Amen