Loving God, there has been a lot of talk lately around dinner tables, on social media and throughout the news about the power of speech. We know that what we say has both the power to heal and to hurt. Words should speak of truths that will build up and not tear down but we must admit that so often it is easier to blurt out the first thought we have and forget the force with which those words will be heard and received. As the psalmist wisely offered, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, my rock and my redeemer.” Amen.