Sunday, August 30
The Power of Words
Speaker: David Wagner
“We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.” - James 3:3-5 (NLT)
Devotional
Words have power in our lives. For example, when someone you trust says one or two sentences to you, a whole new world opens. This is why James says that teachers will be judged with greater strictness - because words can work in two ways. They can help or hurt. With one hint in the wrong direction, a teacher can send one down the wrong path. It is hard to control our speech. It requires dependence on God and the power of the Holy Spirit. N.T. Wright says, “the tongue as it were is the last bit of human to learn its lesson”. This is why the psalmist wrote in Psalm 141:3, “take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips”. Followers of Jesus must be aware of the power of words and the importance of clarity and compassion in gospel proclamation.
Discussion
Why is James emphasizing being perfect?
What are some examples of an untamed tongue? Try to name a few.
How is the power of words used by the Holy Spirit within a person of faith?
Prayer
Practice the use of words of encouragement and blessing to God (in praise) and to your neighbor (in building one-another up). If in a group setting, pray for the person to your right. Pause and ask the Holy Spirit to give you a word of blessing or encouragement for the person next to you. Then pray over them.
If going through this alone, ask the same thing of Holy Spirit for your community. Send texts or emails of your prayers for them.
Practice
Daily Prayer Guide
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
Prayer of Examen
Invite God into your prayer and ask for the grace to see yourself honestly as you review your day using the five steps below as a guide. Meditate on your responses or journal as you move through the reflections.
- Express gratitude
- Review the day
- Name your sorrows
- Seek forgiveness
- Ask for grace for tomorrow
Weekly Prayer
Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.