Prayer for those burning with anger

Well, I prayed for Pastor Bruce and he wasn't even giving the sermon yesterday. It was Pastor Greg Poore. He gave a great sermon, too. I should have prayed more for the entire Pastoral staff at church, but for some reason I just felt the need to pray for Bruce. He has been asking for prayer a lot lately. Our church is undergoing a huge expansion and I know the pressure must be tremendous. I didn't ask where Bruce was yesterday, but I hope he was off relaxing a little. He deserves it.

Now what's going on with me right now...? I've really been struggling with anger lately... That is so unlike me... I need to chill out. I guess I've been letting the pressure of various situations get to me. I definitely can't keep on getting angry at my wife who really has nothing to do with the cause of my anger. Poor Monica was the recipient of several little Coach Sam 'tantrums' yesterday. I'm afraid that I'm turning into my parents. My Mom used to worry all the time and my Dad had a huge anger issue. I can't let that happen. If I can see it coming I can jump out of the way, right...? Well, it doesn't seem to be that easy. I don't think I can do it on my own. I know I can't. God's definitely going to have to help me on this one.

I don't think anyone grows without making mistakes. The bigger the mistakes then the more one grows, unless they are in to making excuses. Well, no excuses here. I'm in the wrong and I want to fix it. Is anger healthy...? Can it be justified...? How are we supposed to behave in the face of injustice? I remember that Jesus got angry one time when a market was set up inside the temple. That seems justified to me. But the bible doesn't record any more instances of Jesus dealing with his anger. Instead it looks like he showed love and compassion in situations where other less perfect individuals would have shown anger.

Well I think I just described myself pretty well. I'm most definitely 'less than perfect'. It's good that I'm not God, I'm definitely not up to the task of perfection.

Dear Lord, I need you this morning. I'm spinning out of control. I feel I'm under a huge spiritual attack. I'm suffering from anger and anxiety. But this morning I'm taking time to regroup, to gather my composure. I just want to spend time in your presence. Your presence is Holy. Your presence is healing. Your presence is comforting. Oh Divine Master, I am such a wretched, tortured soul at times. Only You can make me whole. Only You can ease my pain.

Father God, I put my faith and trust and hope in You. You, who suffered and died for my sins so that I might live with You in Heaven for eternity. You Lord, are Love. Help me to be more like You. I'm seeing another side of me and I want nothing of it. I want to be more like You, Lord. Help me to have more compassion, help me to be more patient. Help me to be more understanding. Help me to have empathy. Help me to not show prejudice. Help me be all about love.

And let that love spill over into everything I do and to everyone I come in contact with. Father, make me an instrument of your peace. Lord, I can't do it with out your help. I am so weak in the faith department. But I know that You can make me strong. Help me cope. Help me deal with my sticky situations better. Help me be a man after your own heart.

My Lord and Savior, You are everything. You are everywhere. You are the most powerful force in existence. I lay down face forward in your awe and majesty. I submit myself to Your authority, Lord. And I love You, my King. My life is in your hands.

Father I lift up myself and others like me who are struggling with anger, anxiety, and other faith issues. Heal us and make us whole again.

Thank You my Gracious God for hearing my prayer. And Thanks for your precious gift of salvation which I humbly accept... In the name of Jesus Christ I Pray, Amen.