In the Bible, prayers for overcoming anger focus on seeking God’s peace and wisdom to replace feelings of rage with understanding and patience. One example is found in James 1:19-20, which encourages believers to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” as human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
Another prayerful attitude is reflected in Ephesians 4:31-32, urging the faithful to “let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice,” and instead be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God in Christ forgave us.
15 Prayers for Anger
2 Corinthians 12:9 Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I acknowledge my struggle with anger. I confess that I am weak and cannot overcome the rage that builds up in my mind when I am offended. However, I stand upon Your Word that says, Your grace is sufficient for me, and Your strength is perfect in my weakness. I ask that Your Spirit empowers me to practice self-control and patience always. Amen.
1 Peter 4:8 Prayer
Loving God, overwhelm my heart with Your pure love so I won’t be able to hurt my loved ones and strangers emotionally and physically even when I feel upset. Let Your love help me see people beyond what they do and say that hurt me. Let fervent and unfailing love for others cover their sins, unkindness and offenses against me. Amen.
Philippians 4:7 Prayer
Jesus Christ, You are the Prince of Peace. I ask that Your peace that passes all understanding fills my heart. Let Your peace guard my heart and mind against the spirit of anger. Help me do all it takes not to lose my joy and peace no matter how the devil tries.
Philippians 4:8-9 Prayer
Dear God, I ask for the power and ability to break free from the chains of past hurt and mistakes causing me regret and anger. Help me to stop focusing my mind on those that offended and traumatized me. Instead, teach me to meditate on things that are noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy daily, so Your peace and light increase in my heart. Amen.
Job 22:28 Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Word says I should decree a thing, and it shall be established. Therefore, I decree that I am the master of my emotions. I am not controlled by what people do to me or say about me. Harsh words will not come out of my mouth. I am kind, loving and gentle. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 Prayer
Dear God, Your Word says those who are easily angered are fools. Today, I choose to leave the path of foolishness that only leads to destruction and broken relationships. I jump on the path of wisdom. As I open my heart to Your wisdom, let my mind be transformed inside out.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Prayer
My Lord and Savior, it is written that if any man is in Christ, he becomes a new creature. I accept You today. Come into my life and make me a new person. Let the old habit of anger and rage pass away, and let me enter a new dawn of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Let my rebirth experience remain forever. Amen.
Galatians 5:22-23 Prayer
Sweet Holy Spirit, I ask that You make my heart Your home. As You come into my life, let me begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Let everyone who crosses my path receive a healthy dose of Your abundant fruit in me, and may they always remember me for good and not anger. Amen.
Revelation 12:11 Prayer
I overcome anger by the precious blood of the Lamb of God. Let the powerful blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross of Calvary purge my heart of terrible guilt, humiliation and toxicity haunting me. I declare that I am free and shall testify that I have overcome anger. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Matthew 15:13 Prayer
Dear Lord, it is written in Your Word that every plant my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Therefore, I ask You, God, to uproot anger from my heart with Your mighty hand. Root up anxiety, high blood pressure, headache and all the seeds and fruits of anger ruining my physical health. In Jesus name, Amen.
Proverbs 15:18 Prayer
Heavenly Lord, clothe me with the garment of patience. May I bring peace and end quarrels wherever I go and not stir it. May I not be known as a hot-tempered person who stirs up conflict. Let my words be seasoned with salt. Let it bring healing to the crushed and peace to the troubled. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Romans 12:18 Prayer
Great God, I know You have healed me from the spirit of anger. Now, I ask for the courage to pursue reconciliation with those I have hurt because of my outbursts. Help me to swallow my pride and build bridges of relationships the fire of my anger has burned. Teach me to live in peace with all me.
Cool Temper Prayer
Mighty God, I know the devil will want to test my patience by doing things that will trigger my anger. But I receive the grace and wisdom from You to channel my energy into productive activities that will cool my temper, and I become better and more productive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Ephesians 4:26 Prayer
Lord, I come before you humbly, seeking your forgiveness for the times I’ve allowed anger to consume me. Your word in Ephesians 4:26 reminds me, “In your anger do not sin.” Teach me to address my anger in a way that glorifies you and brings healing to my relationships. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Psalm 103:8 Prayer
Gracious God, help me cultivate a grateful heart so that anger may find no fertile ground to thrive within me. As I remember Your blessings and goodness, may gratitude replace anger. Fill me with thanksgiving and joy as I focus more on You daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Anger in the Old Testament
The Bible provides profound insights on the topic of anger starting in the book of Genesis, highlighting both its dangers and methods for managing it. A pivotal instance is seen in the story of Cain and Abel. In Genesis 4:5-7, Cain’s anger flares when God favors his brother Abel’s offering over his own.
Rather than comforting Cain with empty platitudes, God directly addresses his brewing anger, cautioning him about the lurking threat of sin, likening it to a predator ready to pounce. God’s counsel was a call for self-mastery and introspection. Tragically, Cain did not heed this divine wisdom.
Overwhelmed by his anger and jealousy, he committed the grievous act of murdering Abel. This early biblical narrative serves as a stark reminder of the potentially destructive power of uncontrolled anger and the importance of seeking divine guidance and self-awareness to manage and overcome it.
Anger in the New Testament
The New Testament, especially in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, offers insightful guidance on anger. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus elevates the discussion on anger, placing it on par with the act of murder. Specifically, in Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus underlines that even harboring anger towards someone can be as spiritually grievous as the act of murder itself.
He emphasizes reconciliation and urges individuals to resolve their disputes before offering gifts at the altar. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul, in his letters, often touches upon the theme of anger. For instance, in Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul advises, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
This scripture underscores the idea that anger, if not addressed and resolved, can become a conduit for further sin. Collectively, the New Testament advocates for self-control, swift resolution of conflicts, and the understanding that unchecked anger can lead to spiritual and relational pitfalls.
