Prayer Against Anger

For a short fuse.

So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

Lord, my temper is quick, and I don’t like who I become. Make me quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Catch me in the second before I snap. Give me a different first reaction. My anger never produces what You want. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When anger feels bigger than you, like it has a hold on you.

“Be angry, and don’t sin.” Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, and don’t give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27

Jesus, this anger feels like it has a grip on me. I don’t want to give it any more room. I put it under Your authority. Take out what’s been feeding it: hurt, pride, fear. Don’t let the sun go down on it tonight. Fill the space with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the grudge you’ve been carrying. A prayer for resentment and bitterness.

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

Father, I keep replaying what they did. The resentment has settled in, and it’s making me bitter. I don’t want to carry it anymore. Help me put it down. I’m not saying it didn’t matter. I’m asking You to make me kind again, and to forgive the way You forgave me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When anger has turned into hate.

But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28

Lord, I’ll be honest: I hate what they did, and some days I hate them. I know that isn’t who You want me to be. I can’t switch it off, but I can bring it to You. Teach me to pray for them, even a little. Do the changing in me that I can’t do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Before you reply to that message. A prayer to ease anger at someone specific.

A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control. Proverbs 29:11

God, I’m angry with someone right now, and I want to say something I’ll regret. Hold my tongue. Give me time to cool down before I answer. Show me what’s true on their side and what’s true on mine. Help me respond in a way I won’t be ashamed of later. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Before the first thing goes wrong.

Good morning, Lord. Before the first thing goes wrong today, I give You my temper. Slow me down. When I feel it rising, remind me to breathe and pray before I speak. In Jesus’ name, amen.