Breaking Others in Pieces with Words--Sept. 5, 2014

[From Sept. 7, 2012 archive]

I have tried not to hide your saving help

and your steadfast love within my heart;

yes--I have spoken of your faithfulness.

But, O my God, only you know

how many times I have failed--

how often I have rushed to speak

without waiting for an invitation;

how sarcasm has bent my words

into accusations of not listening;

how I have broken my listeners

in pieces with ill chosen words.

Forgive me for having been a torment;

teach me how to let you do the talking,

through me only if it fits your purpose.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 84; 148; 25; 40

Job 19:1-7, 14-27

Acts 13:13-25

John 9:18-41

Selected Verses

Ps. 40:10

I have not hidden your saving help within my heart,
          I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
          from the great congregation.

Job 19:1-2

Then Job answered [his friends]:  "How long will you torment me, and break me in pieces with words?  …"

Acts 13:15

After the reading of the law and the prophets, the officials of the synagogue sent [Paul and companions] a message, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, give it."

John 9:27

[The man whose sight Jesus had restored] answered [the religious authorities], "I have told you already, and you would not listen.  Why do you want to hear it again?  Do you also want to become his disciples?"