Psalm 94: A Prayer of Anger
MIKE AND JOHN had something in common—they had both been ripped off by their business partners and they were both angry. Very angry. As they shared their experiences with each other, they discovered an important difference, however. Mike was baffled by what to do with his strong feelings. His anger frightened him and did not seem very spiritual, so most of the time he kept quiet about his sense of outrage at the unfairness of it all. John, on the other hand, had grown up in a church that prayed the psalms together. Together they had spoken the words of anger and outrage to God. As a result, John was able to talk to God about his anger. He knew he had been grievously wronged and that he was deeply angry. And he knew he could take his anger to God. This psalm is one of the psalms that can help us speak freely to God about our anger.
Warming Up to God
Is it difficult or relatively easy for you to tell God about your anger? Explain.
Read Psalm 94. »
Discovering the Word
- The psalmist addresses God as the Judge and as the one who avenges (vv. 1-2). What is the meaning of this for the psalmist?
- In pleading his case before God, what does the psalmist say the wicked have done (vv. 4-7)?
- In verses 8, 9 and 10 the psalmist asks several rhetorical questions of God. What statement is he making in these questions?
- What hope does the psalmist express in verses 12-15?
- Verse 16 captures the question the psalmist is wrestling with. What words would you use to express this question?
- In verses 17 through 19 the psalmist expresses himself in vulnerable terms. How does he describe the experience of danger and fear that generated his anger?
Applying the Word
- The psalmist concludes with statements that God will take care of justice, that God will judge. Why is this important to remember when we are feeling powerless and outraged in the face of injustice?
- This psalm models several constructive ways we can behave when we are angry. It models honesty with ourselves and with God, stating our case to God, acknowledging our vulnerability, trusting God's care and letting God take care of justice. How might this example help you in times of anger?
- Which of these behavioral examples might be especially important for you to follow when you are angry? Explain.
Responding in Prayer
Talk to God about any feelings of anger—fresh or lingering—that you have.
For Further Study
Learning to Pray Through the Psalms by James W. Sire