KEY PRINCIPLE OF PRAYER #13: ALWAYS BLESS - NEVER CURSE!
Prayer should always involve praise and blessing. In fact, our speech should never be tainted with cursing! James warns us sternly that we need to be most careful about what we say:
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” (James 3:9-12)
Ephesians 4:29-32 reflects the same thinking:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
It’s important that our prayers and our speech should always bless the following:
Your Marriage
Your Spouse
Your Children
Your Spiritual Authorities:
Pastors, Elders, Deacons, etc.
Your Co-workers and work superiors
Your Employer
Your Government representatives
Rev. Dr. N. Patrick Marica contributes incisive Christian commentary on this blog on a regular basis. He is the Vice-Chancellor of Amherst Theological Seminary, and he has a D. Min. from Amherst Theological Seminary. He has his MA from Liberty University in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is the author of the book: "The Walk Applied: Living the New Creation Life as a Citizen of God's Kingdom in a Secular World". He has also written "The Fasting and Prayer Handbook". He has been married to Kathy since 1985. They have 2 adult daughters and an adult son.
Contact Dr. Marica at nick.marica@srcministry.org
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