Saturday Prayer: Battling Bitterness

Father, you are patient beyond measure, slow to anger and rich in love. You've endured humanity's rebellion with astounding grace, absorbing our sins rather than paying us back what we deserve. You show me what it looks like to release bitterness and choose mercy instead.

Bitterness took root in my heart today, and I watered it with my thoughts. I rehearsed old wounds, replayed past hurts, let resentment grow like weeds in my soul. I've been keeping score, holding grudges, letting someone else's sin poison my own heart. I know this bitterness hurts me more than them, but letting go feels like losing. Thank you for forgiving me seventy times seven and then some. Thank you for showing me that mercy isn't weakness—it's strength. Thank you for not treating me as my sins deserve.

Uproot this bitterness before it chokes out everything good in me. Give me your perspective on the person who hurt me—help me see them as you see them, loved and flawed like me. When bitterness whispers that I have a right to stay angry, remind me of the rights you surrendered at the cross. Tonight I choose forgiveness not because they deserve it, but because you've shown me what undeserved mercy looks like. Heal what bitterness has poisoned.