Hey there and welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

Today's reading titled What Should I Say was written by Jennifer Benson Schultt.

When I stopped to browse through a box of books marked C.S. Lewis at a used bookshop,

the store owner appeared. As we chatted about the available titles, I wondered if he might be

interested in the faith that inspired much of Lewis's writing. I prayed silently for guidance.

Information from a biography came to mine, and we began to discuss

how C.S. Lewis's character pointed to God. In the end, I was thankful that a quick prayer

had reoriented our conversation to spiritual matters. Nehemiah paused to pray before a pivotal

moment in a conversation with King Ar Artizerxes in Persia.

The king had asked how he could help Nehemiah, who was distraught over Jerusalem's destruction.

Nehemiah was the king's servant and therefore in no position to ask for favors, but he needed one, a big one. He wanted to restore Jerusalem,

so he prayed to the God of heaven before asking to leave his job so he could reestablish the city.

The king consented and even agreed to help Nehemiah make travel arrangements and procure timber for the project.

The Bible encourages us to pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

This includes moments when we need courage, self-control, or sensitivity.

Praying before we speak helps us give God control of our attitude and our words.

How might he want to direct your words today?

Ask him and find out.

Today's our daily bread devotional scripture reading is from Nehemiah chapter 2, verses 1 through 6.

In the month of Nysan, in the 20th year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him,

I took the wine and gave it to the king.

I had not been sad in his presence before,

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