Every day we practically drown in words. Other people, the media, our own inner thoughts, all add to the confusion for most of them are empty. But words that are connected with the heart and soul are powerful indeed. Hannah's prayer - though whispered - came from the depths of her being and expressed both desperation and longing. Despite ridicule from the prophet Eli, Hannah's prayer was heard and she had a son whom she named Samuel who became a great prophet. We need to reflect more when we speak and chose our words wisely and carefully. And when we pray it is quality not quantity that really counts. Send your words heavenward from the heart and soul.

Gandhi insisted that truth was an irresistible force when it is spoken and lived. Jesus would agree, for his words were powerful indeed - demons fled, the winds and waves obeyed, and diseases disappeared. He spoke like one with authority - but what does that mean? Simply put, his words reflected who and what he was. They were not empty or something he merely memorized from books. They flowed from his relationship with God the Father and his status as a righteous, wise, and holy human being. He lived the words that he spoke. In a world awash in words, we should speak our truth firmly, charitably, and from the heart, and ensure that we are living out the words we proclaim.