Praying through your anger
I'm still wrestling with this one
I like to say I inherited my dad’s temper, but that my wick is a little bit longer.
It takes a bit more to get me riled up…but once I am…it’s game over.
And so I struggle and wrestle with how to pray though my anger. I have a really difficult time dealing with my own anger.
And there’s probably a lot of therapy needed to sort that out…but I digress.
Recently, I was furious with kids because they weren’t listening and were actively trying to ignore me and be disrespectful towards my wife and I. And I get hot-blooded when they disrespect their mother.
And, after I lashed out by yelling at them (which I always feel terrible for afterward), I tried to calm down and pray about my frustration.
And, honestly…I don’t think it helped me out much.
But, I also don’t think God wants me to scream at my kids…
So, I have to keep praying and trying to tame my own anger. And there have been times when I have succeeded!
And, do you want to know what has been the most helpful for me as I am praying through my anger!?
Asking for the Spirit to help me understand the person I am mad at.
It’s been easier for me to pray for understanding than for help with my anger. Because a lot of our anger stems from a lack of understanding…
My prayer for today
Our Father, thank you for your Spirit empowering me with the ability to calm myself down before taking things too far. Jesus, I don’t want to be angry at my kids (or anyone in general) and I want to love people like you loved them. Help me be the best disciple I can be. Amen.
Remember
Try praying for understanding rather than for your anger to magically disappear. I’m willing to bet that it will make a big difference!