A Prayer about Quarrelsomeness
It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. (Prov. 21:9)
Gracious Jesus, how often have I read this proverb with the image of a group of “good” men sitting around a Judean campfire complaining about their nagging, “drippy faucet” wives. How arrogant and male of me to act as though only women and wives can be quarrelsome! Yikes! I well know this verse could just as accurately describe a husband, friend, or parent.
Today I want to own my quarrelsomeness and to ask you to free me for far more healthy and redemptive ways of expressing disappointment, making a point, and engaging in conflict.
Jesus, when I lose sight of the real issue and simply get argumentative with my spouse, friends, kids, or even strangers, arrest my proud heart. I’m very aware that sometimes my need to win sabotages my commitment to love well. The result is never good.
When I keep festering and pestering, rather than resting in you, expose my insecure ways for what they really are: I’m assuming the role of the fourth member of the Trinity. Lord, there’s no joy in driving the people I love onto the corner of a roof.
Jesus, when I protest more than I pray; when I launch more than I listen; when I’m more grouchy than grace-full; when I’m more self-righteous than either right or righteous; when I repay nag for nag, petty for petty, immaturity for immaturity— convict me, forgive me, help me, change me.
Because the gospel is true, I have hope. Because the gospel is true, I repent. I pray in your compassionate name.
Amen.