As Readers in training, we must speak in church, talk to others about our journey, and the speaking causes us to grow. Too often I am tempted to talk too much, to do too much. I am focussing on prayer in Lent to teach me more self-control. This is a prayer which speaks to that mood.

From Frank Colquhoun, printed in the Lion Prayer Collection compiled by Mary Batchelor.

 

Give unto us, O Lord, that quietness of mind in which we can hear you speaking to us, for your own name’s sake.

 

Lord, you have taught us in your word that there is a time to speak

And a time to keep silence.

 

As we thank you for the power of speech,

We pray for the gift of silence.

 

Make us ready to listen as we are to talk,

Ready to listen to your voice in the quietness of our hearts

And ready to listen to other people who need a sympathetic ear.

Show us when to open our mouths and when to hold our peace

That we may glorify you both in speech and in silence

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Amen.