As in Psalm 38, in Psalm 39 David again highlights the destructive power of the tongue. He even says “I will guard my mouth with a muzzle” (v.1), because he knows that being muzzled is better than speaking evil. In the end, David breaks his silence to pray aloud to God, because he desires not to be like a mad dog contained by a muzzle, but to be a person who is so utterly transformed by God’s grace that his words and actions are animated by the Spirit of God and by the love of God.
Lord, we pray that we might not sin with our mouths and with what we say. In the presence of those who mean us harm, let us not return harsh word for harsh word, but grant us to be filled with gentleness and humility. Grant us not to be proud or self-righteous, but let us be grateful of your grace, praising you. Grant that we might be animated by your forgiveness and love, even praying for our enemies; desiring not to see their destruction, but to see their salvation, their transformation, and their joy in you.
Yes, Lord, we pray, pour out your blessings upon our enemies. All the joys we wish for ourselves, we pray: let our enemies enjoy these blessings in the same measure. May they know your forgiveness and love, your presence and comfort, your guidance and protection. May they be delivered from all their troubles and find all their joy in you. Save them and uphold them, we pray, in the precious name of our dear savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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