A Prayer to Manage Anger in a Way That Glorifies God - Your Daily Prayer - June 13

A Prayer to Manage Anger in a Way That Glorifies God
By Vivian Bricker 

Bible Reading:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19-20).

Listen or Read Below:

Anger is a character in Disney Pixar’s film, Inside Out. He is red, wears a white shirt with a tie, and dark brown dress pants. Within 11-year-old Riley's emotions, Anger is the most impulsive, furious, and frustrated. Whenever Riley's parents tell her they will be moving, Anger automatically sounds the alarm, making her angry with them and storming off to her room. 

While we don't have literal individual beings controlling our emotions in our heads, the allegory connects to us in the real world. Anger can feel impossible to control at times. There are so many things to be angry with in this present world, and it takes a heart of peace to combat them. 

Waiting in a long line, facing injustice, or being betrayed by a close friend are a few things that cause anger. Feeling slighted, watching someone land your dream job, or having a family member make fun of you can also cause anger. Although each of these things is anger-provoking, we don't need to give in to them. 

It is challenging; however, we can overcome anger with the Lord's help. Nothing is impossible for Him (Matthew 19:26). Think about what is causing you to feel angry today. Bring it before the Lord in prayer, sit at His feet, and allow yourself to take in your emotions. 

Anger is an emotion after all. It only turns into sin when we act on it (Ephesians 4:26). When anger rises in your heart, address it and choose to allow the feeling to pass. Give yourself time away from the situation that provokes anger. Take a walk around the block, call a friend to talk, or listen to a few songs. 

The half-brother of the Lord tells us, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19-20). 

The Greek word translated “angry” is orgēn, which is translated as “anger/angry,” “wrath,” and “indignation.” James stresses how Christ followers need to be slow to speak and slow to become angry. This means we need to stop, slow down, and think before we speak. Talk with God before you reply or respond in situations that provoke anger in your heart. 

God wants us to live a righteous life. This cannot be done if we are allowing anger to remain in our hearts. Weed anger out by the work of God in your life. Study the truth of the Bible and ask Jesus to help you apply these teachings in your life. 

The Bible also tells us, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil” (Psalm 37:8). Along the same vein, we see that anger will lead us into sin. Take a breather when you are angry and ask the Lord to give you the strength to overcome it. God is faithful, and He will equip your heart with what it needs to remove anger from your life. 

Let's Pray: 

Dear God,

Anger tries to control me at times, but I'm choosing to give control over to You. Anger does not produce the righteous life that You desire for me. Help me to be slow to speak and slow to become angry. Anger can often feel like a tidal wave. But I ask You to help me ride the wave out. Allow the anger to pass and bring peace into my heart.

In every situation that provokes anger in my heart, give me an outlet to think. Whisper to me through the Spirit and remind me to turn to You. Remove any inner stirrings of anger and replace them with serenity, kindness, contentment, and hope. Thank You for helping me to become the best version of myself and molding me to be like Your Son.

All glory belongs to You, Amen.

Discuss today’s devotional with others in the Your Daily Prayer thread on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/gorodenkoff

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate.

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