Whenever I Open My Mouth

While our Session had its retreat a couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to take a brief "retreat of silence." We spent about an hour on our own-- no cell phones, no conversation, no iPods...absolute silence. I found it to be a very enriching time. As suggested by a study guide we were given, I prayed through the following verse. It helped me get the right perspective on what God asks of every pastor. I hope you'll consider praying through it yourselves on a Sunday morning for your own pastor(s).

Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV)
"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

You'll note, of course, that such an idea is not limited to those preaching and teaching-- it is a prayer we would do well to pray ourselves in any situation where we have the opportunity to share God's Good News.