The Church counts wrath among the seven deadly sins, not because feeling angry is wrong, but because uncontrolled anger kills things: friendships, marriages, peace of mind. The virtue that answers it is meekness, which isn’t weakness. It’s strength under control.
Historical Context
St Francis de Sales was known as the gentlest bishop in France, but he said it took him over twenty years to master his temper. If you struggle with anger, you’re in good company, and it can change.
A Prayer to Remove the Spirit of Anger
Lord Jesus, I bring you my anger.
You know what set me off and why it runs so deep.
Take away the spirit of rage, bitterness and resentment.
Give me a gentle heart and a slow tongue.
Help me feel my anger without being ruled by it,
and to deal with what’s wrong without wounding anyone.
Fill me with your peace.
Amen.
In the Heat of the Moment
Lord, I’m about to say something I’ll regret.
Stop me.
Give me one breath, and then another.
Amen.
For Anger at Home
Father, I don’t want my family to be afraid of my temper.
Heal the hurt I’ve caused.
Teach me to stay calm with the people I love most.
Amen.
For Letting Go of Resentment
Lord, I’ve held on to this anger too long.
I don’t want it anymore.
I hand it to you, and I ask you to bless the person I resent.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- When you feel anger rising.
- Before a conversation you’re dreading.
- At night, before you sleep, so you don’t “let the sun go down” on it.
- Before confession, if anger is a pattern.
Scripture Connection
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” — James 1:19-20
James gives three practical steps: listen fast, speak slow, anger slower. Anger rarely gets us the justice we think it will.
Related prayers
For more on peace, see the Welcoming Prayer and the Prayer of Release. For kindness, the Prayer for Kindness. For the patron of the gentle, the St Francis de Sales Prayer.