Praying the Word: When You Feel Angry
On the surface, prayer seems simple. It’s talking to God. But in practice, we may have a lot of questions. Am I doing this right? Is there a “right” way to do it? What am I supposed to say? Are there things I shouldn’t pray about? Or maybe we feel pretty comfortable with praying, but we struggle with getting bored or losing focus.
Whatever our struggles with prayer, Scripture can be helpful. As Donald Whitney explains, “Praying the Bible isn’t complicated. Read through a few verses of Scripture, pause at the end of each phrase or verse, and pray about what the words suggest to you.” (You can read more from Donald Whitney about how to pray Scripture in this article.)
In the Praying the Word series, we’ll take the idea of praying Scripture and make it practical by sharing a passage of Scripture, an example prayer, and some guided questions to help you make it your own. The example prayer might serve as a model, or you can use it as a prayer for yourself. As you give this a try, don’t worry if it feels awkward or you’re not sure what to say. Remember, the power of prayer doesn’t come from the words we say, but from the One who hears them.
Example Scripture
James 1:19-21
[19] Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
[20] for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
[21] Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Lord, I’m struggling today to curb the anger rising in my spirit, and I’m reaching out for your divine help. I know that you call me to resist “the anger of man” because it doesn’t produce righteousness and it doesn’t reflect you. You are a righteous God—never impatient, never angry over the wrong things, never lashing out in selfish rage or seething in cold silence. So, as I struggle, I come to you with confidence in your righteousness, justice, and power to change me. Thank you for your long-suffering love and the mercy and forgiveness you extend to me in Christ.
I pray that you would help me to obey what you have called me to in this passage—to be quick to listen, to guard my speech, and to have an even-tempered spirit that is slow to anger. I confess that this is not my natural response. When the kids interrupt my plans for the day or won’t cater to my preferences, I grumble and fight for my way. When arguments erupt and chores are met with complaint, I spill out hurtful words in the heat of the moment. When another mom doesn’t text me back or gets an opportunity I really wanted, I pay her back with silence or passive-aggressive comments. When my husband doesn’t help out in the ways I expect, I keep a record of wrongs and hang onto bitter or vengeful thoughts. Forgive me, Lord, for the damage this does to others and the dishonor it brings to your name.
Father, please help me to actively root up the sin in my heart—what James here calls “filthiness and rampant wickedness.” I can’t fight my anger in my own strength—my guilt is permeating, but I know Jesus is greater. Grant me clarity to see where I’m weak to temptation and strength in your Spirit to turn to your righteousness instead.
As I strive to put off these patterns of anger and sin, help me to put on the humility I need to be taught and shaped by your Word, day in and day out. May I receive the commands and exhortations of Scripture, even here in these verses, with meekness, planting your wisdom deep into my heart. Remind me that my anger leads towards death and darkness, but your Word brings life and light. Thank you for saving me from my sin and empowering me to extend gospel love and kindness to others.
Make it Your Own
Praise God: What things in this Scripture passage give you reasons to praise God and thank him for who he is and what he’s doing? Give him both general and specific thanksgiving and come into his presence rejoicing.
Confess: What things do you need to tell God about how your heart or actions might veer (intentionally or unintentionally) toward self-reliance or even disobedience? Where have you trusted in your own wisdom or resisted his presence, commands, and care?
Share Your Heart: What things do you need to tell the Lord from a place of concern and humility? What questions linger, what worries do you harbor, and what do you need to hand over to him?
Ask: Where do you need wisdom? What help and grace do you need? Let the Lord know where you are weak and what specific things you need, letting him have the final and perfect say in how those needs are met and prayers are answered.
