Frustrated: Anger When Obstacles Interfere With What You Need Or Want - The Gift of Anger: A Guide to Follow Your Feelings in Prayer

The Language for Feeling Frustrated

Nothing seems to be going my way today. I feel like time is against me. From traffic lights to incompetent people, I am bothered that I can’t get done what needs to be done. Poorly run systems, others not listening, the actions or lack of actions by others, or a messy house set me off because they get in the way of me getting to the one thing I need—a moment to relax.

I am more than irritated. I am frustrated. In a moment, my anger can feel so strong. If I want something done, I have to use force. Instead of lashing out, I shut down. My anger turns cold inside of me, and I feel powerless. I can become passive aggressive, resentful, or critical. My frustration may not be expressed externally, but I’m fuming on the inside.

My chest, face, and throat almost burn.

I don’t want to harm myself or others. I don’t want to hurt people. I don’t. I can’t seem to love well, which is my deepest desire. Sometimes I don’t know what else to do to be heard and get what I need.

There must be another way.

A Liturgy for When I Feel Frustrated

Breathe in—Holy Spirit . . .
Breathe out—console me.

I open my heart to You.

I feel frustrated.

I feel it in my body.
God, my feelings of frustration are a signal that my soul is asking for more care.

Search my heart, O God.

Reveal to me the root of this feeling and the pain it stems from.

Allow me to see if there is pain in my story that You are intending to heal through the anger that I feel right now.

I want to be with You as You are with me.

God, my frustration only seems to grow.

There are things I want and need.

Sometimes I feel guilty for having desires.

I don’t want to be motivated or moved by guilt or shame, but by love.

My desires and the obstacles getting in the way of those desires are in conflict.
I feel friction.
Heat on the inside of me.
Heat on the outside of me.

Lord, hear my needs as a prayer.

Help me be curious about what I really want. Help me be curious about what I really need. Help me be gentle with myself and others.
Father, forgive me if my frustration has led to sin.
Help me also move toward forgiving those who have sinned against me.

Help me listen to my own heart with kindness and courage. God, help me remember that the greatest intention You have for my life is to love me.

You do not turn Your face from me, but to me.

You listen intently to my desires, wants, and needs.
You bear my burdens.
You are with me, here.
My feelings are cooled by Your faithfulness.

More than anything, what I really want is communion with You.
I want You to look upon my life with pride and gladness.
I want to love generously and graciously.
I want my life to be an offering to You.

Even here, I am reminded of my belovedness.
From this place of frustration, Your love invites me into healing, freedom, and greater peace.
My anger is soil for Your grace to tend to my soul.
For this, I give You thanks.

Living Word

Your words are the words of life.
I will listen.

Ephesians 4:15

Rather, speaking the truth in love . . .