There’s some good advice: “Don’t drive angry.” Putting yourself in charge of a ton or so of metal that can reach speeds of 70 mph (or more if you break speed limits) while your emotions are in a high state of agitation and adrenaline is coursing through your veins is not wise.

But I want to suggest that there are some other things that you can do while you are angry.

Breaking up cardboard boxes (can be cathartic)

Going for a walk (uses up the adrenaline in a healthy way)

Singing (so long as nobody else is around, it may not be the most tuneful)

Praying.

Yes, praying. God is pleased to receive and respond to any prayers, even the angry ones. We can be completely honest with him (no point in doing otherwise really as he already knows all about us) and let him know why we are angry. It is something that I have done this week in the face of what happened to George Floyd and the responses to the peaceful protests that have followed his death at the hands (or knee) of a police officer.

This week I have been asked to contribute a prayer to Premier Radio’s Prayers of Hope programme and I decided to pray angry (albeit that the tone of the recording is more measured). This is my prayer.

I only had about 90 seconds for the prayer, so it’s shorter than I would like. Feel free to add your own ‘amen*’ (*I agree) if you find it helpful:

Heavenly Father – we bow the knee before you in worship and humility because you are God Almighty. And we bow the knee in prayerful solidarity with all who experience oppression and prejudice.

You create all people as equal, and you love all of us on this planet with an unfailing and limitless love so it must break your heart, as it breaks ours, when people are mistreated, abused, attacked and killed because of the colour of their skin or ethnicity.

We lament for George Floyd. His death is a terrible act. Yet it also represents the oppression of so many and our cry of lament merges with the shouts of people across the world against this evil.

Like Martin Luther King we have a dream that a world without racism is possible and we lament that 57 years later that dream has still not come true.

Holy Spirit shine your light of truth and love into the lives of those who hold racist views…

into governments and institutions…

into the public consciousness…

into your churches…

Shine your light of truth and love into our hearts…

…that we may recognise and root out prejudice and become a part of making that dream a reality. We pray that you will help us to see the positive steps we can take to combat racism and to affirm the dignity and humanity of every single person on this planet.

Amen?

Be blessed, be a blessing