Im sure we have all started a sentence with the phrase “Can I be frank…” What we are indicating is that we want to be candid, honest. Normally it means we are about to say something that might not land well with the listener. All too often it’s our way of indicating we are about to be mean.
This word ‘frank’ comes from an Old French word ‘franc’ the roots of which go even further back, and as such this word ‘franc’ also carries the meaning “pure” or “of highest quality”. It is from this meaning we get the word franc-incense.
God gave us the power to communicate, in doing so words were created and the power of our words is immense.
So take a pause next time you choose to be frank. Yes its good to be honest, but are your words pure? Are they of the highest quality?
Let us go to God in prayer…
God we give you thanks for power of communication and the many forms it takes. We thank you for written word, for text messages and emojis, for drawings and animation. We thank you for road signs and dance, for body language and facial expressions. We thank you for the power of our voices, for song and for speech. We thank you that we can gather up words and form them in such ways that we can express our needs and wants and pass information to others.
Heavenly Parent we have the power to do such great good with our words. Inspire us daily to communicate with others, to encourage and teach, to share information, to help others by imparting with them the information they need for that situation. Remind us that our words, spoken to another can be a beautiful way of acknowledging that person. Remind us to say hello to the person we pass on our walk. Remind us to say thank you to the cashier.
Heavenly Parent we pray for those times when we have not been pure with our words, for those times when what we have said, or shouted, is not of the highest quality. We ask for your forgiveness for those times we have used bad words or good words in a cruel way. We reflect on those times we have used our words to manipulate, to passively offend. For all those times when our words have caused hurt, forgive us, and pour out Your grace and love on the victims of our words.
Heavenly Parent we pray for those times when we have not been pure with our words, for those times when what we have said, or shouted, is not of the highest quality. We ask for your forgiveness for those times we have used bad words or good words in a cruel way. We reflect on those times we have used our words to manipulate, to passively offend. For all those times when our words have caused hurt, forgive us, and pour out Your grace and love on the victims of our words.
Sometimes the words of others cut deep and hurt us because they shine a light in to the dark parts of us that we want to stay hidden. Often in these times with hurt comes growth. A pruned rose grows back even stronger, more beautiful. Give us patience and strength to sit with the words someone has shared with us, about us, and find a way to move forward and grow from them.
Holy Spirt, sometimes we need to speak. We need to speak a pure truth. When we are scared to speak, be with us, sit with us, help us frame our thoughts as best we can for the intended audience. Help us to speak out.
Holy Spirit, Jesus, Lord, remind us of the incredible power you have given us through word, may we use it wisely.
Amen!
The Unexpected Prayer 