A Prayer for Freedom from Bitterness

Lord, a root of bitterness grew where I did not plant it (Hebrews 12:15), and I have been feeding it in secret. It defiles more than me now. You know the person. You know the wound. You have not asked me to pretend it did not happen — you have asked me to hand it to the One who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23). Take it, then. Do what only you can do with what was meant for evil against me (Genesis 50:20). Turn Mara back into Naomi (Ruth 1:20; 4:17). Turn Asaph's my feet had almost stumbled into God is my portion (Psalm 73:2, 26). Give me kindness, tenderheartedness, forgiveness, because you forgave me first (Ephesians 4:32). Pull the root. Plant a garden in its place. Amen.