Prayer for our Listening and Speaking

 In all our relationships: in our church life, community life, and personal life may we follow the teachings of Jesus.  May we endeavor to speak the truth in love and be guided by scripture in our thoughts, decisions, and actions.  May we respect and listen deeply to one another, keep confidences, and avoid gossip.  May we pray for and with one another, building each other up, realizing every soul is precious to God.

We pray this, seeking to be in Jesus’ name, amen.

Ephesians: 4:15-16

     But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,  from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

Matthew 18:15-17

     If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one.  But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.  If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Matthew 5:23-24

     So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you,  leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 7:12

     In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.