Each day comes with a new challenge. We may be staring at danger – hopelessness – fear – anxiety. Our hearts may be filled with anger because of the state of our country. We could be angry by all the violence in our cities, Even though we think our anger is righteous, how do we approach God with a heart of stone?

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”  How true.  Anger is not only a negative emotion, it’s non-productive.  When we’re angry our adrenaline starts to pump, our demeanor changes, our body language is altered, we are irrational and thoughtless.  How can we pray with these things going on in our head?

I think this is probably one of the best times to pray.  Prayer is a time for us to bring all our cares, our fears, our frustrations and anger along with our thanksgiving and praise.  We shouldn’t be afraid to ask God to help us with all our struggles.  In fact He invites us to do so. The Psalms are filled with many examples of David’s lashing out in anger through his prayers. He rails against his enemies.  He shouts for their destruction and screams for vengeance.  That doesn’t normally fit the Christian view of turning the other cheek, but it surely demonstrates the close relationship David had with God.  He didn’t hold back.  He told it like it was and God gave him peace through his prayers.

We have been invited to turn to our Creator in all circumstances. He knows everything about us.  He knows our fears and doubts as well as all of our weaknesses.  He perceives our deepest thoughts and He loves us in spite of them. 

Thank you, dear Lord, for your invitation to call on you in every trouble.  You are the only One who truly knows what’s going on in my heart and mind.  You lift me up when I’m down; you encourage me when I have doubts; you stay with me when I’m lonely or fearful; you love me with a love I can never understand.  Knowing that, I have confidence that you will accept my prayers – even when I’m angry. Amen!