5 Prayers to Help Control Your Anger
August 2022
Alberta Vadnais
I love finding ways to feel God in my day, whether I’m going to work or cooking dinner. I make sure I’m connected to Him by listening to Bible stories, sermons, praying, and singing praise songs. All the apps I test are introduced into my everyday life so that I can feel their usability on a daily basis.
Anger is a very powerful emotion. It’s like fire; useful when contained but very destructive when it runs wild.
There are two types of anger. There’s the righteous anger that Jesus experienced in John 2:14-16 over the corruption going on in the Temple. That anger helps us do positive things and act against evil and injustice.
There’s also the unrighteous anger that boils over and makes us hurt those around us. When the whole world around you is negatively impacted by the force of your anger, it is time to do something about it.
In those moments of rage, prayer is the last thing we think about. It’s even harder to muster the words for our prayers. But the best thing you can do is to pause, take a deep breath, and say some heartfelt words to God in prayer.
Here are some prayers for anger you can start with;
Prayer For When You’re Angry
Lord, I cry out to you with this prayer to calm the anger. Help me get rid of it. Teach me to quietly calm down when I’m angry. Help me to reason and discern situations wisely, instead of acting on impulse, emotion, and pride. Once I get hold of anger, it’s hard to let it go, but I know I must do it, my Lord. Your Word tells me in Proverbs 16:32, “It is better to be patient than brave; better master yourself than to conquer cities.” Give me the strength to leave my frustration in your hands. Restore me soon to a state of harmony and peace. May your Holy Spirit reign in my emotions. May your He rule in my heart and flow to all those around me. May your grace abound in me, and teach me to love as you love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Prayer To Be Free From Anger And Bitterness
Beloved Lord, I place at your feet this anger and bitterness that I often harbor in my heart. I ask you in your grace to bring to the surface all that is causing the bitter poison that is lodged within my heart. I ask you to free me from anger by the power of the blood of Jesus, which was shed on the cross.
Lord, I confess all my anger and bitterness and I know when I allow this to surface in my heart. Break the chains that bind me to it. I know that when I confess my anger you are faithful and just to forgive the outbursts of anger in my heart and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. For which I praise your name. I declare that I am freed from this contamination within my heart. May the root of anger that crinkles me inside be destroyed in the mighty name of Jesus. May you uproot everything that is not pleasant in your eyes that is associated with it. I ask you to examine me and help me keep my heart clean. Thank you, Lord, for the freedom you have given me, for the power of your blood. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer For When You’re Angry At Others
If there is one form of anger that most grieves Your heart, Lord, it is anger and bitterness towards others. In Ephesians 4:26, You teach me, “do not let the sun go down on your anger”. Help me to go to sleep with a peaceful mind and a humble spirit, leaving any quarrels in the past. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:22-24 to reconcile with others before I commit to worshiping You, particularly those I am close to. If I have bitterness in my heart, it is very difficult to come before You in awe and reverence. Lord, present me with opportunities for reconciliation. If someone has wronged me, been unkind to me, or caused me some minor grievance, give me the strength to forgive them. Lord, You love justice but let my anger be proportionate to the sin. It’s better for me to have a loving heart towards my enemies than to hold on to bitterness and resentment. Rather I should “be patient, bearing with one another in love” as it says in Ephesians 4:2. God, I pray for those people I am angry with, for whatever reason. I pray that You would soften my heart towards them and help me to move on from this. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer To Remove The Spirit Of Anger
Lord, forgive me for the times I have given in to anger, malice, wrath, or fury. When I have let my emotions get the better of me and lost control. Have mercy on my soul and show me Your kindness. God, I know that sometimes it feels like getting angry is the correct response to a situation, whether it’s in my control or not. But I know from Ephesians 4:31 that beyond an initial reaction, anger, bitterness, and malice are not of You. Instead, God, fill me with Your Spirit so that I can exhibit the qualities that you desire. Galatians 5:22-23 says that “the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”. I long to be more like You, Lord, and to know the fruits of the Spirit in my daily life. Instead of anger, give me self-control and peace. Help me to approach individual situations with wisdom and a calm head. All this for Your glory, Lord. Amen.
Prayer To Calm Your Mind
Almighty and All-Powerful Father, Help me feel calm when I become angry. When pressure and conflict make me feel surrounded, remind me that I am surrounded by your presence. When you are with me I have no need to lash out in anger. Please remove my anger towards other people and replace it with trust in your provision and care. May confidence in your love replace any anger about my circumstances. When I feel angry due to unmet expectations, remind me that satisfaction can be found only in you. May the love of the Father, the grace of the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit be with me today. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen
Final Thoughts
“Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you will truly be free.” (John 8:36)
We have been set free from bondage to sin, including evil actions that spring from anger. The only way we can truly access that freedom and live above our impulses and nasty emotions is with the help of the Holy Spirit. He helps us in our infirmities to become better than we are. He produces the fruits of joy, peace, and patience in us in place of anger. He is the one who takes our hands and leads us closer to who we are meant to be in God.
Never be too ashamed or guilty to ask God for help. It may take some time, but slowly and surely, you are becoming better. You get there one step at a time.
You can also check out Bible verses about anger and negative emotions.
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