Prayer and Praise Bring Joy

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT)

Always be full of joy. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. – (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ERV)

 

God has given us His Spirit within us, so that we might be filled with His joy. When we pray to the Lord and trust His word to be true, joy rises up within us, despite what we are going through. It is impossible to be grateful without joy joining in. God designed us for relationship, and we find fulfillment when we are operating in the manner for which we were created. As we pray and give God thanks, His joy fills us and He shows us how to live according to His good and perfect will. May we never stop praying or giving God our gratitude, as He fills us to overflowing with His joy.

Seek the Lord and pray,

No matter what comes;

For His joy is ours,

When we trust the Son.

It is the Lord’s will,

That we seek and pray;

Trust in God alone,

And walk in His way.

Give the Lord all thanks,

In bad times and good;

For His grace abounds,

Where hope’s understood.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we have reason to always be joyful in You. Thank You that we can continually praying to You, and You hear our every prayer. Thank You that living in a space of prayerfulness and gratitude, is the very place that You are calling us to live. Thank You that Your joy fills us, regardless of what surrounds us, when we are investing our hearts in You. Forgive us for not giving our gratitude to You, or for being passé about prayer. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would prioritize presenting our praise and petitions before You, trusting and thanking You for who You are. Show us how to be a constant source of joy and gratitude as we love those around us well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as joy in You rises up in us as we pray and give You thanks in all things. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. – James 5:13