Pray: 14 Daily Moments to Quiet Your Mind & Center Your SoulSample

Today, consider what lies ahead of you. What do you have in front of you that makes you feel overwhelmed? What makes you feel excited? What makes you feel afraid? As you think of these things, consider bringing them to the Lord in prayer.

Take a second to relax. Look for a comfortable and quiet place. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. As you exhale, release the thoughts shifting around in your head. Release and remember, that God has called us to a life filled with joy and gladness.

Even in the midst of hardship, you can experience contentment and joy. Do not be discouraged by past setbacks. There is always a choice, and there is power in choosing. Your choice can and does affect your outcome. Choose joy for today and for every day to come. Choose the joy of the Lord and watch as that joy transforms your life. Each day is a new beginning. This beginning is not a burden but an opportunity to experience joy.

Your perspective will affect your outcome. Outcomes of great joy and happiness are within your grasp. That is not to say there are no difficult days. Some days will be stifling and stressful, filled with shortcomings and setbacks. But God still offers you a life full of joy if you choose to believe.

PRAYER

God, I praise You for this day and its possibilities. I praise You for this new opportunity to live joyfully. I praise You, the Maker of this day and all others to come. God, I worship You for giving me the ability to be glad and to rejoice in this day. I praise You, the Creator of the heavens and the earth and everything in between. I know that You have created this day for me and given me a purpose within it. God, I know I let things in my life rob me of joy. I admit that sometimes I struggle to be grateful. But today, I give these choices, decisions, and thoughts over to Your hands. Release me from my feelings of apathy, sadness, and discouragement. Meet me in my need, Jesus. Thank You, God, for the ability to feel gladness and to rejoice. Thank You for helping me experience moments when happiness is greater than hopelessness. Thank You for seasons of cheerfulness and contentment. Thank You for the strength to keep choosing joy. God, You are present and listening to me. Please turn my sorrow into joy and my mourning into dancing. Give me overwhelming joy that renews each day. Teach me to find joy even in the midst of sorrow. Fill my heart with gladness beyond measure. Amen.