I’ll admit it: sometimes I’m an aggressive driver. When a car cuts me off in traffic, I throw my arms up in the air. I move into the left lane and give the driver a stare. Then I pull back into the right lane, just to show that I’m in charge.

Can you relate? Chances are, you’ve reacted this way to a belligerent driver. But what happens when something more significant happens? When your boss verbally abuses you, your in-laws disown you, your daughter lies to you or your husband betrays you?  You feel angry and anxious. And you feel the rage brewing inside. But you can’t just drive by these people, throw your arms in the air, make a passive-aggressive decision and move on with your life.

What’s next? When you feel like yelling, swearing and rebuking those who hurt you, how do you respond?

In these moments, when my anger feels unmanageable, I aim to connect with God through prayer. He knows what I’m feeling. He knows how I’ve been hurt. And through his Word, he provides insight into the best response.

If you’re full of rage today, I encourage you to seek God with these four prayers:

1. Lord, help me to leave my fear and anxiety with you.
   Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7 (GNTD)
2. Lord, help me to love others—even those who have wronged me.
   And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples. – John 13:34-35 (GNTD)
3. Lord, give me the strength to release my anger.
   If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. – Ephesians 4:26 (GNTD)
4. Lord, help me forgive those who have hurt me.
   Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ. – Ephesians 4:32 (GNTD)