St. Ambrose

December 7 (holy use of words)

Sacred Lord, Saint Ambrose was called "the honey-tongued doctor" because of his gift of preaching and his reputation as an expert on Church doctrine. Words were very important to him and he said, "Let no word escape your lips in vain or be uttered without depth of meaning." I ask him to pray for me to gain appreciation for the right use of language. O My Jesus, keep me from speaking profane, slanderous or condemning words. Teach me to be silent when I am tempted to speak unkindly. May my words be like rivers, clean and pure, moving others closer to You. Saint Ambrose, pray for me. Amen.