In a previous article, “Pray Scripturally and Specifically,” I explained the benefits of praying specific and thoroughly biblical prayers. I’m convinced that the best way to pray is with our Bibles open, allowing God’s own word to shape our requests. Scriptural and specific prayers are powerful weapons in the fight against sin, including one common sin that people struggle to overcome: sinful anger.
Here are some Scriptures to memorize and prayers to pray that will help you overcome sinful anger. Meditate on these Scriptures and pray these prayers at least three times a day for three weeks. Remember, we are transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). Allow the Word of God and these prayers to bring about that renewal.
Sunday
Ephesians 4:31, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”
Father, I cannot change my attitudes on my own. I have tried and failed. Please root out from my heart all sinful anger and attitudes that do not reflect your holy character, and make me more like you. Amen.
Monday
Proverbs 14:29, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
Father, help me to be slow to get angry, just as you are. Help me to see the foolishness of an unrestrained spirit and a hot temper. Help me to live a life of wisdom and not foolishness. Amen.
Tuesday
Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Father, help to realize the power of angry words and an angry spirit. Help me to gauge my words by not only how they affect you, but how they affect others. Help my words and reactions to be marked by a gentle spirit. Amen.
Wednesday
Proverbs 12:18, “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Father, may the words I use and the attitude I display bring peace where there is conflict, tranquility where there is unrest, and hope where there is strife. Help me to see the consequences that my reckless words and cutting remarks have on others. Amen.
Thursday
Ephesians 4:26, “Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
Father, I pray that not one day goes by with unresolved anger in my life. Search me, and if there is any anger, I confess it and ask for your grace. I don’t want anger to control my life. Cleanse me at this moment. Amen.
Friday
James 1:19-20, “Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Father, help me to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Help me to listen twice as much as I speak, and may my life truly produce what is right before God. Amen.
Saturday
Psalm 145:8, “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Father, as I close this week of praying for victory over sinful anger, I pray that you would help me to be like you. Help me to be gracious, full of compassion, slow to anger, and abundant in mercy. Help me to show that spirit to those around me. Amen.
