by the Rev. Caroline Beckett (vicar at All Saints Church & St James Church in Brightlingsea, Essex), found on Twitter
Lord as I put on my mask, let it be a filter
For my words pass through as well as my breathing
Let through only those words which are helpful breathings of love
And stop those things in my speech that will be harmful to others.
Protect me also, O Lord, from the harmful things others may say to me.
Help me to realise that I may be a carrier of bitterness,
thoughtlessness, judgement, and prejudice without realising,
and that some people are more word-vulnerable than others.
Give me the grace to love those who cannot or will not filter to protect others
And special grace to them because they go through the world unprotected.
Help me to be prepared and adapt and be brave and transparent
so that all may have a chance to hear.
Lord, be a mask to my mouth
and pin my ears forward for listening. Amen.
