Prayer For Bitterness And Resentment
Dear heavenly Father, these Scriptures cut to the chase and bring conviction to our hearts. We are your beloved daughters and sons, but today we are also your busted daughters and sons; for resentment comes to us as quickly as someone steals our parking place, or eats the saran-wrapped piece of cake we hid in the frig, or fails to include us in some social event. It's amazing how quickly a little slight can launch us into a big spite. Have mercy on us, Lord, and grant us fresh grace, thicker skin and bigger hearts.
But Father, being slighted is one thing, but being assaulted by the betrayals and failures, deceit and lies, attacks and abuse of others, is an altogether different matter. These aren't things to shake off, but deep wounds, broken hearts, and incredible pain to bring to your throne of grace. You're not calling us to denial, but to yourself. Have mercy on us, Lord, have big mercy; and grant us wisdom, strength and tons of grace.
Fatherthrough the power of your Holy Spirit, the truth of the gospel, and the gift of community, don't let our appropriate anger morph into destructive revenge. Don't let our raw hurts become a band of vigilante marauders, not just bent on getting even, but upping the anterepaying harm for harm, evil for evil, and death for death.
Don't let our vulnerable hearts become gardens for the planting of roots of resentment and bushes of bitterness; and keep us from medicating our pain foolishly. Father, as Jesus has forgiven us, so help us to want to forgive others. Write stories of redemption and restoration with the ink of our hurt and your grace. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus' tender and triumphant name.
Mighty God, for too long I have wanted to be in control, tried to be in control and cherished the illusion that I am in control. I release myself and my illusions into Your hands. By Your grace, I surrender my need to feel in control, and embrace the truth that You are in control and that I can control only my inner life and not my outward circumstancesand certainly not other people. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot control, courage to change the few things I can (my thoughts and actions) and wisdom to know the difference.
Father, I give my fear to You. I have been crippled and poisoned by fear for too long. I reject it. I release it. I choose faith instead of fear, believing in Your good plans for me. I choose love instead of fear, trusting that Your perfect love will cast out all fear (1 John 4:18). I choose Your light and truth instead of fear, accepting Your Word, which says I need not fear terror that stalks in the night, the arrow that flies in the day, plague that strikes in the darkness, or calamity that destroys at noon, because you are with me
Lord God, I release ______ into your care. You know all my love and concern for (him/her). I know that You share that love and concern, so I release (him/her) into Your hands. Help me to find healthy and helpful ways to love and care and pray for (him/her), even as I learn to trust You to see all I cannot see and do what I cannot do.
God, hear me and answer me. You know I am troubled by thoughts and feelings of anger, resentment and bitterness. You also know why. And You know how deep the hurt goes and how long I have lived with it. But I don't want to live with it any longer. I don't want to be an angry, resentful and bitter person. With Your help, I release my anger into Your hands. I surrender my resentment. I let go of my bitterness. Help me to keep letting go and release these toxic emotions as often as they try to return.
Father, I acknowledge that I've held resentment and bitterness against (name). I confess this as sin and ask You to forgive me. I forgive (name). Remind me, Lord, to not hold any more resentments, but rather to love this person. Father, I ask You to also forgive (name) . Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
Mighty God, thank you that you give the gift of abundant, eternal life. May my life be free from resentment and filled with thanksgiving and praise for your countless blessings. The Bible teaches that you never fail to provide for your people. Set me free from resentment as I give thanks for your blessings and am assured that you will continue to generously supply my every need. May grace, mercy, and peace be with me, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Son, in truth and love. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
O Lord, my God, you are my shepherd. You guide me and provide for me. When I start to feel resentment due to the circumstances around me, remind me that you have prepared a table for me and you can give me peace. Your anointing and blessings are upon every aspect of my life. Remove my resentment and set me free from frustration. May your goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.