A Prayer to Overcome Bitterness

Bitterness is a poison. When we allow it to take root in our lives, it is a destructive force that rips and tears at the very foundation of our soul. If we find bitterness developing in those around us, the Bible tells us that we are to lovingly encourage them and draw them back into the fullness of God’s grace.

Hebrews 12:15 tells us, “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”

Ephesians 4:31 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.”

As I was growing up, my father always had a great cure for bitterness—both in himself and in others. It was called service. Whenever he felt a root of bitterness sneaking into his life due to the devastating pressures and circumstances of life, he would find someone who needed his help, and he would give what he had to help them.

The gift of his service didn’t change his circumstances, but it did change the attitude with which he experienced those circumstances. Suddenly and miraculously, the bitterness was gone.

Is bitterness threatening you? Have you allowed bitterness to take root in your life and grow into a destructive force? Prayer can help you to overcome the devastating effects of bitterness in your life, your heart, your soul.

Dear Heavenly Father,

You know our hearts. You know all things. Please remove bitterness that has taken root in my life and has begun to destroy me. Father, You know the actions and attitudes in my heart that have caused this. Change me, Father. Restore me unto You, and create in me a clean heart (Psalm 51:10).

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of Your grace. Help me to receive it. Help me to turn away from the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts. May I find Your goodness, grace and love in serving others.

We thank You and praise You for Your many blessings. We commit today to changing our way of thinking, Father. We commit to dwelling on all things true, right, lovely, pure, admirable, and heavenly (Romans 8:5, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2) in order to be pleasing to Your Holy Spirit.

We ask that You help us, Father. We thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit as a comforter to help us in our time of need. Forgive us for our many failures.

We ask all these things in Your precious, holy name.

AMEN.

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