Say It Out Loud!

I am constantly amazed by the power of the spoken word. In a day, so many millions of thoughts run through my head and never really reach that point of reality or consciousness. Some I am thankful I didn’t dare speak. They determine my actions and attitudes but they can't pull their own weight. Ping-ponging back and forth, my thoughts rarely slow down long enough to let me speak any thing at all unless, of course, you think "uh... weknwfeil gobledegook" is intelligible.
I have been challenged lately to speak my prayers and bible verses aloud in order to truly feel their impact. It's almost like the thoughts aren't real until they're said. It's incredibly scary and moving to stand at the threshold of believing. Suddenly, the air is full of a sense of presence and awe. I can feel that I'm being heard. I internalize my faith so much more as if I have more to stand on because I've prayed aloud. I have to actually believe the words before I can say them out loud.
I know that there is a sense of urgency and strength in the small words I utter quietly to my sleeping children. I've always prayed over them, telling them how special, precious, beautiful, and amazing they are. How they can do anything and how I love them, hoping that maybe they'll hear it in their subconscious. But more than that hope, I hold on to the faith that God will instill those things in them. A thought is merely one of many utterances that skip across my brain. When I say one out loud, it is my focus and prayer - the belief in "so be it."
The same goes for conversations with friends. So many times we are scared to speak our thoughts, even with the closest of friends. But occasionally, those words need to be said or the conversation needs to be started for the benefit of one or the other. Both sides need to say things out loud in order to hear them and decide if they are to be believed. Many times we hold an opinion in our minds and only after it has been spoken does it cause anguish or disgust at the realization that it was in our minds to begin with. I am astonished by some of the things I find out I believe after speaking difficult words with someone. Not angry words but the kind that can sting or challenge; the kind spoken in friendship and love.
Jesus did that all the time! Granted, he contains all knowledge and was always right. He could have carried out all miracles without a single word but he chose to say, “Peace. Be still.” Even the waves needed to hear the power to feel it. The apostles’ beliefs needed to be pricked and challenged.
Try speaking your prayers, and push the envelope. Try saying something that stretches your beliefs. I actually catch myself pausing before speaking certain things and then I end up verbally scolding myself. It’s a real kick in the head. Oh, and I wouldn’t advise letting your spouse listen in… they might think you’ve lost your mind.