Devotional 3-8-09

“WORDS”

Lectionary Readings for the week: Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 and John 2:13-22
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

My father included this verse in many prayers and especially in the prayers that were a prelude to a sermon. I now know that many other ministers follow this same practice as a way to cleanse their thoughts so that what is spoken is “of God”. The words are a spoken reminder of a practice of centering on God, so that the Word spoken in a sermon will reach those who need to hear and understand the Word.

Words are powerful tools, but there are “rules of engagement”. God spoke the WORD and our world came into being. (In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1) God gave Moses words for all of us in the form of commandments to become the “first” and most basic rules for behavior. Words have flowed through all the prophets to teach us how to behave/relate. Jesus spoke his Words to small groups and large crowds—in parables, healings and about radical ways to relate to each other like: “love your enemies”, “turn the other cheek”, “feed the poor”, “help those who are in prison”, etc. Jesus gave us Words so powerful that we still do not understand them all.

Words are meant to build up, to make us think, to support and comfort—to name only a few of the positive words. Words are meant to facilitate our living in this community called the world; in our families, in our workplaces, in schools and neighborhoods. And yet, too often the words that we share with each other tear down, destroy and harm one another.

Too often, I have spoken in haste or anger without heeding the words of the psalmist and have lived to regret the words that exited my mouth. Once spoken, the words, like toothpaste out of the tube, cannot be pushed back in their container, no matter how great the regret of the speaker. I have spoken without “having my brain in gear” as they say—without centering my thoughts on God. I’m sorry for my words, but they have already caused the harm.

I’m trying to form new habits of “word use” this Lenten season—to be more aware of the situation BEFORE a word is spoken, especially any word that would not be pleasing to God (or to my fellow humans, for that matter). I have realized that I use some words repeatedly that are harmful to my relationships with others and with God—those pesky expletives that seem to slip out of my mouth with too much ease. What Word is God sending to your heart today? Are you centering your thoughts on God? What words do you need to add to the conversation so that you are a blessing to others? What words should you avoid saying? Do you need a “heart cleansing” like I do to help find the right path?

Dear merciful and blessed Lord: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:10-12) May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. AMEN.

Chryl Budd

Mission Prayer and Response calendar

March 8: Pray for the ministry provided by Ebenezer Community Outreach Center

March 8-14: We celebrate Ebenezer Community Outreach Center in Huntington, Celes Sheffield, Executive Director
They minister through their pre-school program, Youth Energized for Success; Family enrichment Center, Baby Bassinette, clothing closet, School supply programs, Christmas Angel program the Idus Jones Scholarship Program (awarded to a high school senior) $-H and Girls Scouts