By This We Know Shalom

Our God and King,

Teach us when our anger is prideful-

that we might lovingly bow the knee of our will.

Teach us when our anger is revealing our hurt-

that we might name it properly and appropriately.

Teach us when our anger is telling of our past unresolved-

that we might gain courage to remember and revisit. 

Teach us when our anger is righteous-

that we might humbly refuse to accept injustice.

In all these things, 

Remind us that the wounds of Jesus Christ invite us to voice our own.

You never ask us to leave your table,

although we may feel this way in our churches.

Instead, you invite us to dine and commune with you in honesty-

which leaves room for the shedding of our tears.

Thank you, Father, for your invitation.

Thank you, Jesus, for your advocation.

Thank you, Spirit, for your intercession.

By this we know shalom, and we praise you.