The tongue and every word we speak contain the power of life or death. Words have the power to bring life and blessing, or to bring death and cursing through the energy they contain. Our intention is paramount because while people notice our outward action, God looks on the heart. Sometimes, our intention and inward motives are more important than what we actually say or do. It is intention that gives words their power. Intention is the inward motive or energy behind the thought or word. Words combined with love, wisdom and Divine inspiration are like apples of gold on trays of silver. Offered to a weary hearer, they become beautiful, living, hope-bearing morsels that nourish the soul. By the same token, when words are combined with hatred, jealously or selfish motives they are like the fig tree that was cursed and withered; they have the ability to bring death, discouragement and despair to the hearer. Which would you rather have spoken to you?

The Benediction

You may have attended a church service where the minister pronounced a benediction or blessing at the end, e.g. "May God bless and keep you." Blessings and curses are prayers spoken over another person, place or thing. Most people don't believe these words actually mean or do anything, but in reality our words do confer blessing or cursing. These prayers are a compilation of precisely structured and arranged words. A benediction to bless can be poetic, artistic and very eloquently presented at special occasions such as at a bar mitzvah, a graduation ceremony or a wedding. A wicked incantation may be presented in tribal countries that use an evil form of voodoo to combat enemies. I am not saying that all tribal nations who practice voodoo intend harm to others. There is a such thing as good voodoo, witchcraft and spells that are beneficial. On the other hand, I have been in Christian prayer circles that placed a curse on another person because the words spoken violated their free will and asked God to bring about hardship or sickness that would make that person repent of their sins!

Blessing and cursing does not have to be a formal petition to God conducted during a ceremony or spoken directly over another person. It can be something as simple as an email. I