A Prayer Against Gossip

Gossip is an act that, due to how common it is, has already been deemed normal by society. However, we have to understand as Christians that gossiping, which involves slandering others, using our mouths in a mischievous way, and even revealing secrets, is a sin (Proverbs 20:19). Not only does gossiping separate close friends, but it could also cause pain and damage to someone’s life (Proverbs 16:28). The mouth is indeed mighty. However, we should use it to speak life rather than use it for evil. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:29 that our mouths ought not to be for corrupting talks but for building up so we may give grace to those who hear. The good thing is that the Holy Spirit is always at work, making us like Christ day by day.

Heavenly Father, may our mouths not utter gossip but bring forth wisdom and knowledge. May I always use my mouth to speak what is right and be glorified in my speech. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

What Can You Pray Regarding Gossip?

Sadly, gossip happens even in a Christian context. Let us focus specifically on praying against the gossip that may be present in a church community. However, you can still pray against gossip in a secular context, like in the workplace, school, or family. If they are not yet saved, the best thing you can pray is for them to come to Christ’s saving knowledge. Telling them that gossip is a sin and brings hurt and pain to others won’t be enough. Their hearts have to be changed so that the delight of their hearts becomes God’s Word (Psalm 40:8; 1 John 5:2-4). Pray that they believe the Gospel, repent, and commit to follow Jesus (Acts 2:38).

As you pray specifically against the gossip happening at church, pray for boldness for yourself or whomever the right person may be to address the gossip. Perhaps your friends at church are gossiping or someone who is connected to them is gossiping. In either case, the Bible tells us we are to correct and even rebuke whenever needed—in love, of course (Galatians 6:1; 2 Timothy 4:2). Gossip will continue unless it is intentionally addressed.

You can also pray for that which is acceptable and pleasing to God. This is where you speak life to the church community. You can pray that what comes out of the mouths of the people builds others up and gives graces to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29). You can also pray that their words are apt answers, words that are seasoned (Proverbs 15:23). Pray also that they will have the mouth of the righteous, whose mouth commends knowledge of God, is gentle and gracious in words, and brings forth wisdom (Proverbs 10:31; Proverbs 15:2; Proverbs 15:26).

You can also pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to renew their minds. Then, they will grow in having the mind of Christ and so grow in Christlikeness not just in the way they speak but also in the way they think and act (Romans 12:1-2). Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict them whenever they gossip and remind them of the truth (John 14:26; John 16:8).

 

Holy Spirit, I thank You because You constantly work to make us more like Jesus daily. Help me to speak like Christ, that gentleness, grace, wisdom, and conviction shall be found in my lips. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

How Can You Pray Against Gossip?

As you pray or address gossip through prayers, you lift those concerns up to God (Philippians 4:6-7). Remember that you are praying for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts. It is all about the Holy Spirit’s work. It is not you who will change them but God. You can say the prayers we mentioned above for the people involved. Pray for them to be aware of their gossiping, to protect the secrets of others and not go on revealing them, and to speak that which is filled with wisdom. If they are about to be corrected regarding gossiping, pray they will accept it humbly.

As you pray, keep in mind that you are to address the issue of gossiping with love. The Bible tells us that everything we do should be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14). You don’t pray out of anger toward them or pride. You pray out of love, knowing gossiping won’t do them any good.

Heavenly Father, I pray for the people I know who are gossiping that they shall understand and take with the right heart the correction that I am about to tell them. Help me do it with all gentleness and grace and in a life-giving manner. Work in their hearts, Holy Spirit, and make them aware that gossip is a sin. Stir up in their hearts the desire to honor You even with their lips. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us that in everything we do, we are to glorify God. Hence, as believers, it is our prayer that even everything we say gives glory to God. Just as we are called to be set apart by God, we are also to be set apart in our manner of speech, which is filled with life and wisdom instead of mischief.