January 12th

Lord, I pray for clarity, both in my thoughts and in the way I express my self. Help me listen and hear to your voice and the voices of others so that I might hear exactly what is being said. Give me the patience and attention to hear beyond the words and to understand the meaning and intention. Help me to discern the truth and intentionality of what is said to me. Help to know the difference between being led to the core of the matter or being led down the garden path.
Help me, as well, to say things clearly and concisely. Help me to be understood in addition to being heard.
Finally, Lord, help me say only what needs to be said, and to have something to say worth listening to.