The guiding word
Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away,
When you lie down and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:7
Read Ezekiel 3:16—21
Another day of my life has passed, all in seeming innocence. But I end it, this day, by reading the burden of the prophet, who sees with the responsibility of the man or the woman given the word of God, with the insight to know when others are going astray from God and from their own true purpose. This prophet may not sleep well. He may be troubled by what he knows even if he could reflect on some of the events of my day. He will be troubled on behalf of those he loves. He will use his night-time disquiet to meditate before God on how he should approach his precious ones, how he can give them the opportunity to discover a new and living way.
My kindly Father, I thank you for those who have cared enough for me to guide my way. For those who have risked my friendship by speaking truth, who have loved me enough to passionately value my soul. I, too, can know people who need me to draw alongside them. But I also know the fear that the word I speak could offend. So I may say nothing; do nothing. Therefore I begin with prayer. Speak first to me. Give me discernment. Give me the word to say, and the love with which to say it. Give me the good of the other in my heart. And the courage. And the trust in you for the outcome.