Mouth the Words

Written by Julie Cosgrove

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“With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will praise him in the midst of the throng.” (Psalm 109:30, ESV)

How often do you speak out loud to God? The ancient world believed that until a thought was spoken, it did not come into existence. In the beginning God spoke creation into existence. In His miracles, Jesus often spoke out loud to cast out demons, call people back to life and to heal. The Gospel writers didn’t tell us that He silently prayed with his lips moving as he laid hands on the sick. He commanded with His voice. He even prayed out loud on the Cross.

Scripture describes God’s voice as being like thunder. It shatters the silence and demands attention. We also talk of His still, quiet voice inside of us – the prompting of the Holy Spirit. That is the phenomenon of words being more real than thoughts in our own brains. It is as if someone is whispering to our very souls. It has substance. It exists.

Speaking your prayers out loud might seem strange at first, but there is power in it. Praying to God audibly does two things:

1. It brings what we are saying to the forefront of our mind and gives the words importance. Our minds are less likely to wander down bunny trails.

2. It is a way to acknowledge a force outside of our own brains. We are calling out to our Lord and engaging in conversation. That makes Him even more real to us.

Sure, God knows our innermost thoughts. Yes, He can “read our minds”. And there are times when devoted silent prayer is appropriate. But letting your prayers come out of your mouth adds a new dimension to them, like putting on 3D glasses to watch a movie. When two or three are gathered to pray out loud in agreement, I believe the evil one himself cowers and slithers away.

Try it. Thank God audibly when something happens – good or bad. Acknowledge His presence in the situation by speaking your thoughts.

“It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken’” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak…” (2 Corinthians 4:13)

Pray out loud your deepest desires to Him, getting them out of your brain and onto your tongue, even if you have to do that under the rush of water in the shower.

“O LORD, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.” (Psalm 130:2, NAS)

Pray out loud with your friends. Let the words come from your mouth into the room.

“May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:4)

Ask God to give you the right words to speak on His behalf and proclaim His glory.

“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel…” (Ephesians 6:19)

Praise Him audibly and let your words soar.

“Open my lips and my mouth shall declare Your praise.” (Psalm 51:15)

Questions: Are you uncomfortable speaking your prayers out loud to God? Why or why not?

Tags: Bible, Devotional, God, Women

4 Responses to “Mouth the Words”

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Suzanne B says:

June 21, 2012 at 8:59 am

Great reminder Julie!
Lori says:

June 21, 2012 at 8:48 am

I am working on speaking my prayers. I believe this about spoken prayer bc when someone prays aloud for me…it touches my heart. I pray aloud when I am alone and I feel his holy spirit. It is His words and not mine. When I ask for His words..I am astonished by what comes to my heart to speak aloud. God is so good…He hears us.
Gail @GodGirlGail says:

June 21, 2012 at 6:14 am

Saying a prayer out loud never fails to empower me with His strength. A wonderful way to begin the day! A great way to survive Metroplex traffic and a peaceful way to end the day.
wanda says:

June 21, 2012 at 5:54 am

if it had not been for the Lord on my side where would i be. thank u God in the name of Jesus for thes devotions each and every day… i read them i use i even write church meaasge for sunday morning (sometime ) and this is done only by the spirit.