Before you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments and set aside any distracting thoughts. Slowly count to ten and feel the warmth of God as you continue your journey of faith.

1 Peter 3:10

Whoever would love life and see good days must keep the tongue from evil and the lips from speaking deceit.

Speaking about peace brings truth and love into the words we speak to one another. Nearly everyone can recall the sting of unkind words and perhaps even the guilty awareness of the injury caused by unkind words that were spoken. Our love of God is manifest in our speech and our actions toward one another. Respecting people’s privacy and possessions is one way to act as people of peace.

Do my words show a lack of respect for others?

How can I reflect the values of peace and respect with those I live, work or study with?

(Ask the Lord to guide your speech. Pray with these or your own words.)

Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, guide my words so that I may speak of others and to others with kindness, respect, and love.

Amen.