P.R.A.Y
PAUSE
REJOICE & REFLECT
ASK
YIELD
Personal Worship
We see Paul continues the importance of our words in the Book of Ephesians.
Together we will pray (P.R.A.Y.) each day – ‘P’: Pausing to be still as we come into the presence of the Lord. ‘R’: Rejoicing as we remember who our God is and what He has done, and Reflecting on His word. ‘A’: Asking God to help us and others. And ‘Y’: yielding to His will in accordance with His word.
As I come before you to pray, I still my thoughts and quiet my mind. I seek to make you the center of my focus.
Prayer of Approach
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a quiet heart, ready to hear your voice. Still, my thoughts, and help me focus on your presence. Speak through your Word today—correct me, comfort me, and shape me. I long to know you more and to walk in step with your Spirit. Thank you for inviting me near through Jesus. Here I am, Lord—ready to listen.
I choose to rejoice, with all God’s people, in the powerful promise that God gives us in Psalm 71…
My mouth is filled with your praise,
and with your glory all the day.
Psalm 71:8
As you read the passages below, ask the Lord to cause a word or phrase to stand out to you.
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:25-32
As I reread the passage, I reflect on the questions, “How is my life touched by this word?” and “How does this passage connect with my life?”
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:25-32
Paul carries on our theme this week and gives clear instructions for what it looks like to live as a new creation in Christ. He highlights the importance of truthful, grace-filled speech, emotional self-control, and forgiveness. Our words are meant to build others up, not tear them down. Anger must be dealt with quickly, lest it give the devil a foothold. Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit is grieved not just by immoral actions but also by harsh, bitter, or careless words. As believers, our relationships are to reflect God’s mercy, kindness, and forgiveness—the very grace we have received from Christ. Transformation in Christ changes how we speak, how we feel, and how we treat one another.
Lord, I ask that you continue to show me what it looks like to be more like you. Let my words be used for building up and not tearing down today.
Lord God, revive our hearts and purify our lips. We confess that our words have too often wounded rather than healed, spoken pride instead of praise, and stirred division rather than peace. Renew in us a fear of you that changes how we speak—that our mouths would be fountains of grace, our tongues instruments of truth, and our conversations marked by love and wisdom. Holy Spirit, set a guard over our mouths and kindle a fire of revival that reaches even our everyday speech. Let the words of our mouths bring glory to Christ.
As I read the passage for the final time, I listen to how the Lord is inviting me to respond to him. Where in my life do I need to yield in obedience to what he has for me?
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:25-32
Yielding Prayer
Gracious Father, I surrender my words, my emotions, and my relationships to you. Forgive me for the ways I have spoken carelessly, held onto anger, or failed to forgive as you have forgiven me. Create in me a heart that reflects your kindness, compassion, and truth. Let no corrupt talk come from my mouth, but only words that give grace and build up. Holy Spirit, help me not to grieve you but to honor you in all I say and do. I yield to you today. Make me more like Jesus.
Yielding Promise
And now, as I move into the day ahead, the Lord who loves me reminds me in Titus 3…
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit
Titus 3:5
Closing Prayer
Lord, enable me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to love you today with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to serve you today, by loving and caring for others as I do my own self; and, to exalt you today, by telling the people in my world about the abundant and eternal life found only through faith in Jesus.