Lord, make my spoken words be few —
and wholesome! By them change and save
one life — or many — of pagan or Jew,
of worldly or pious, of noble or knave.
Lord, make me bite my tongue when the mind
would spew out garbage thoughtlessly —
and loosen it freely when I find
an act to praise — or on my knee.
Lord, make me a child whose words and actions
agree — who follows what he speaks —
who’s guided by love, not heated passions —
who’s strong in faith, but in wrath is weak.
Lord, make your Name my lips’ best praise —
your glory my charm and disposition —
your mercy and grace my constant phrase —
your love my joyous, eternal mission.