Praying for Joy

Joy is one of the key ingredients in living the life God has for us. While the presence of joy certainly influences our circumstances, the origin of joy is not determined by what is happening in our lives but rather how we are experiencing God.

We can champion joy in the lives of those we love when we pray for them to experience the fullness of God right where they are, regardless of their circumstances. Acts 2:28 reminds us that authentic, life-giving, soul-strengthening joy is within our grasp every time we draw near to God. We can love our friends well by praying that the joy of the Lord would be their strength, giving them great perspective and endurance for the race set before them.

Without joy in our lives, we lose perspective of how good God is, missing the joy of friendship with Him. We have the honor of nudging our friends to experience the fullness of life as they walk with God through their circumstances by encouraging and praying for an abundance of joy in their spirit.

TRY THIS PRAYER:

God, thank You for the joy You give so freely! Thank You that it is Your joy that becomes our strength, rather than a feeling or moment of willingness we can muster on our own. In Your presence there is fullness of joy, and right this moment I pray that Your spirit would usher ________________ (insert friend’s name here) into that abundant place, regardless of their circumstances. Turn their eyes upward and their heart outwards, fully aware of Your nearness and friendship with them. Let this joyful place be the holy ground from which their obedience may unfold, their work be made fruitful, and a continuous testimony of Your nearness and goodness be revealed in the places You have planted them. Let Your joy be their strength today and give them opportunities to strengthen others by sharing that joy with those around them.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP:

Encourage a friend (or several!) by saving the graphic with the verse below and sending it as a text to whomever God brings to mind, letting them know you’re praying for them today.