Quick Verse Prayers for MORE JOY +FREE Joy Pocket Prayer Printable
Is your heart overflowing with joy? Do you wake up in the morning with His praises on your lips? I wish my answer was a passionate and resounding YES, but lately I have noticed a hardness in my heart, a quickness in my spirit to complain and to focus on what's hard.
When I was a little girl, my mom taught me to combat negativity and sadness by writing down God's miracles each day and by praising Him in each season. She lives in chronic pain because of a terrible car wreck we were in over 30 years ago. Yet, when I think back on my childhood, I can still see her mopping the floor and singing praises to God at the top of her lungs, all this joyful singing while experiencing extreme physical agony. I took note, locked that picture in my memory, and tried it out for myself. It works! Praising God in the storms is a surefire way for the devil to flee and for your heart to be transformed. During my biggest trials, I often remember her and remember to sing out to the Lord.
You know what's strange though? Sometimes it's easier for me to praise God in the really difficult times, but I don't remember Him when things are just kind of normal and mundane. Lately, I have felt a lack of joy and I know I need Jesus to be my glory and joy. I need to remember that everything good I have is a gift from Him. I need to meditate on His word and ask Him to renew my hope and joy in Him.
I see a lack of joy often in my kids too--discontentment, entitlement, and grumbling. Sometimes I set the tone for this kind of behavior and it feels like negativity is taking over our household. NOT TODAY SATAN! Here is the most powerful way to combat a lack of joy. Pray the Scriptures.
When I am feeling particularly negative or easily angered, I search the Bible for verses about JOY and turn them into prayers.
Below are some examples of verses and how to turn them into simple prayers for you and your kids to say together.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18
Prayer Example: God, thank you for all of your gifts! Would you help us to give thanks in any circumstance, even the hard ones? We know that is your will for us. Amen.
“The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”-Psalm 118:24
Prayer Example: Thank you for this Monday morning. You made it! We will rejoice and be glad about today! Amen!
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” -Psalm 136:1
Prayer Example: Thank you Lord. You are good! Your love lasts forever and ever and ever and ever! Amen.
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”-Colossians 3:16
Prayer Example: Fill up our lives with more richness, fullness, wisdom, and peace. Help us to be a joyful family by always singing and praising you with joyful hearts!
Here are some JOY verses and a JOY prayer. Print these out and keep them in your pocket, on your mirrors, in your car. Ask the Lord to increase your joy. He will answer you. Praying for increased joy for all of us as we remember that the Lord is singing over us!