Pray: 14 Daily Moments to Quiet Your Mind & Center Your SoulSample

The Bible teaches us to listen, to be careful with our words, and to control our emotions. This can be tough because life is unpredictable. People say and do things that provoke, aggravate, and grieve us. A harsh word spoken in anger can destroy close bonds and deprive us of an amazing relationship. Sometimes we miscalculate and mess up. So how do we handle these missteps?

Find yourself a spot where you can let your guard down and relax. Now, take a moment to slow down and decompress. Tune out everything else. Breathe in deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Let go of the tension coiled in your body. Reach out toward God with your mind.

What emotion leaves you feeling out of control? Is it your anger? Anxiety? Sadness? Having self-control takes effort, but it is obtainable. The Holy Spirit is on your side; He wants to help you. You can be bold and ask Him for help.

How can you be more willing to listen and think things through before you say them? How can you become angry less easily? Trust God and in the power and promise of His Word. Don't forget that God is in your corner and cheering for you and that He's given you the Holy Spirit to rely on.

PRAYER

God, I praise You because You are real. Thank You for listening to me and for giving me the ability to gain self-control. Thank You for loving me and caring for me. I praise You for giving me wisdom, for molding my character, for calling me to greater things, and for giving me a higher purpose in life. I admit, God, that I often let my emotions get the best of me. I rely on myself when I should be relying on the Holy Spirit to help me. I struggle to keep myself in check sometimes, God, and that has caused pain in my relationships. Please give me strength and humility to ask for forgiveness from the people I have hurt. Thank You, God, for the times when You have given me self-control. Thank You for the moments when You've given me the compassion to listen and not speak. Thank You for the times when You've helped me to speak with wisdom and not foolishness. Thank You for Your Spirit of self-control. You are so good. Lord Jesus, help me today to control my emotions. Please give me curiosity and compassion as I listen to the stories of my peers. Help me think before I speak. Help me focus on controlling my own actions instead of seeking to control others. Help me bear the fruit of the Spirit in my life. Let my life be marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and, of course, self-control. Amen.