The Tongue of Angels

I want to be named near a perfect man.
If I not offend in word, then I can.
A voice that utters fervent prayers and sings,
Is not the voice that destroys and demeans.
When we curse, it ought not to be so.
A bridle controls where a horse might go.
So it is the tongue we pray to tame.
As we call out to thee, in Christ's name.

Bless us to use caution, when ever we speak.
To have tongues like angels, we now do seek.
By constraint of the spirit and with care
Help us to now feel peace though there's much we do bear.
When we're unruly, it oft breaks soft hearts.
When we criticize, the spirit departs.
Yet words are a gift that's from above.
Help us to proclaim faith and much love.

We can forgive and be tenderhearted.
Help us see when the Spirit's departed.
Help us stay hopeful and not estranged.
Bless us to see our own faults, with our thoughts changed.
Life has many problems, there's much to face.
Help us look for what's good and speak with grace.
Our tears can be dried, our hearts then healed.
Bless us with more faith 'till doubts are stilled.

A voice can be tender and oh, so kind,
An extension of a good frame of mind.
There are those much plagued with varied disease.
Bless us to speak unto the least of these,
As the still small voice speaks to the spirit.
It edifies those who will but hear it.
Help us to love and to speak today.
May we serve Thee Lord more now we pray?


Jeffrey R. Holland
The Tongue of Angels
Liahona, May 2007, 16-17