Lord, Receive My Anger

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. – James 1:19-20

In reading the chapter entitled "Anger" in Bishop William H. Willimon's "Sinning Like a Christian," one part really hit home for me.

He writes about how anger "is a natural, necessary response in the face of injustice." That anger, he says, "should be expressed, preferably in church, in prayer, in conversation with God."

As hard as I try to stay-mild mannered, I'm tempted to get angry on a near-daily basis about issues big and small. I know I don't want to keep things bottled up or to let injustices go unchecked, but I also don't want to match anger with anger.

In hopes of expressing my anger in a constructive way, I looked for a prayer that might help. Any number of prayers are out there on the subject, but this is one I'll be using this Lenten season.

Prayer – Dear Lord, help me to be more like You at all times. Your Word states that every man should be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath. Father help me to be patient instead of short-tempered; help me to not give in to anger because anger does not produce Your righteousness. I pray that I not only hear Your Word, but also do it so that I can be blessed in all that I do, Amen

About Lacy Lusk Lacy is the husband of senior pastor Abi Foerster and father of 16-year-old Levi. He serves on the communications committee. Their family loves attending sporting events, movies, concerts and plays.