6 Best Psalms to read when angry (Psalms prayers for anger)

During our weekly bible study session, we talked about how anger is discussed in the Bible. One member asked about the best Psalms to read when you are angry.

As a theologian with a massive understanding of the Scriptures, I was delighted to share some Psalms with my colleague.

I also drafted this article for those interested in understanding some of the Psalms that can be read when angry.

6 Best Psalms to Read When You Are Angry

Psalms 37:8

“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”

In this verse, the Psalmist reminds you to restrain yourself from anger because it only brings evil into your life. This is the best verse to read, especially if you have trouble controlling your anger.

It reminds you that being controlled by anger will only contribute to evil deeds.

Psalms 86:15

“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

In this verse, the Psalmist acknowledges that God is slow to anger and instead is merciful and filled with steadfast love for his people.

You should read the verse when struggling to release all the anger you feel in your heart. The verse reminds you to develop compassion, just like God shows mercy for his people.

Psalms 51:10

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

In this verse, the Psalmist asks God to intervene by cleansing his heart and creating a new spirit. You should read this verse when you are angry and compelled to engage in a bad trait because of all the anger and bitterness in your heart.

The verse reminds you that God can cleanse all that anger and create a new spirit.

Psalms 73:21-22

“When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.”

In this verse, the Psalmist acknowledges the consequences of his anger and how it caused ignorance towards God; thus, he is asking for forgiveness.

You should read this verse when angry to understand how it may affect your relationship with God. The verse reminds you that bitterness and anger only bring negative consequences.

Psalms 44:24

“Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression?”

In this verse, the Psalmist is angry and questions God on how long he will remain silent towards his people. You can read this verse when angry because it is a personal prayer that God should remember you in the current challenge that you are facing.

Psalms 145:8

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”

In this verse, the Psalmist reminds you of God’s character and how he prioritizes love over anger. You can read this verse when angry because it helps you emulate God’s character of love and compassion instead of rage.

Which Psalms should you read to help you let go of anger?

Psalms 138: 23-24 is the most recommended Psalm by many Christians to read to help you let go of anger. The Psalmist asks God to look deep into his heart and identify any emotions that will lead him to offense.

The verse will help you let go of anger since you beseech God to help take away all of the negative emotions that you are experiencing.

Reading the verse will ensure that you receive the comfort you seek to let go of anger. You have expressed your readiness to release the anger, and reading the Psalm will help you find peace.

Can these Psalms help you control your anger?

Most theologians believe that these psalms can help you control your anger. They believe that the Psalms remind you that love is the greatest gift God gives humanity.

Being reminded of God’s unconditional love for humanity helps you let go of the anger. The psalms also remind you how harboring anger might lead you to sin.

In Psalms 37:8, the Bible mentions that you should control your anger so it cannot lead you to sin. Some Christians believe that the Psalms will help you control your anger because you are reminded that God will help you remain calm and remove all the problems that contribute to the emotion.

Can you pray these Psalms for someone else?

Most Christian believers believe you can pray these Psalms for someone experiencing anger. You can dedicate the Psalms specifically for the person in prayer by mentioning their name and acknowledging their struggle, especially in controlling their anger.

Others believe you can pray these Psalms for someone else by quoting the verses. You should remind them of God’s love and compassion despite experiencing intense anger.

The Psalms will help the person emulate God’s character of love and being slow to anger, thus eventually learning to control and let go of the anger.

How to pray the Psalms to help you control your anger

Christian believers suggest that you pray the Psalms to help you control your anger by identifying the verse explaining your current emotion.

You should take your time and reflect on the Psalm and how it can be applied in your life.

Connect the Psalm to your current feeling of anger and frustration, just like how the Psalmist expressed himself.

Use the Psalm to connect with God in prayer, talk about how anger is disrupting your life, and ask him to help you emulate his character of becoming slow to anger.

Most Christians suggest that after praying the Psalm to help you control your anger, you should learn how to forgive as the first step towards letting go.