A Prayer about Devilish Footholds

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Eph. 4:26–27 NIV)

On Tuesday we talked about the schemes of the devil and his desire to take you and me out. This Gospel-prayer at the end of the week seems very fitting …

Dear Jesus, I can think of certain door-to-door salespeople I wish I’d never let across the threshold. One toe through my front door, one minute into their pitch, and I’m wishing I could usher them on their way. Oh, that I’d be that wise when the devil approaches my heart and home.

Of course, if he came knocking in a red jumpsuit with a three-pronged pitchfork in hand, sporting sixties-style beatnik facial hair, I’d have no problem turning him away. Unfortunately, he often comes in the back door through my impatience, irritation, aggravation, and anger.

Jesus, help me steward my anger. It’s always been a confusing emotion to me. I’ve been on the destructive end of anger and rage. I remember the fear, the confusion, the shame, the ambivalence. I don’t wish such a crushing of the spirit on anyone, but I certainly own the ways my anger has nonetheless brought harm to people I love.

You’re not telling me never to be angry but to be careful not to sin in my anger. Jesus, help me be angry at the right time, for the right reasons, in the right way. Only you can melt this icy tension in my heart. Only you can change my rigidity into playfulness. Only you can redirect the wasted energy of my anger into patience and loving-kindness. Only you can replace my idol of control with a greater worship of you and submission to your purposes.

Right now, Lord Jesus, I throw open every door and window of my heart. Come on in and establish multiple footholds of mercy, grace, and compassion. I abandon myself to your beauty and bounty today. I pray in your peerless and priceless name. Amen.

Smith, Scotty (2011-09-01). Everyday Prayers for a Transformed Life: 365 Days to Gospel-Centered Faith (Kindle Locations 1116-1133). Baker Book Group. Kindle Edition.

Have a great weekend, my brothers. I thank you for joining me on the journey.

Running the race with joy,

Bill Welte
President/CEO America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 43-44; Mark 11:1-18

Quote of the day: Love in a Scriptural sense is not a soft, sentimental emotion. It is a deliberate act of my will. It means that I am willing to lay down my life, lay myself out, put myself out on behalf of another. Phillip Keller

Bible Memory: Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. Psalm 119:17-18