Pray with joy! ✨

Paul had this amazing ability to discover joy in almost every situation. Do you have a hard time finding joy in these uncertain times? 

Paul once said, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” (Philippians 1:4, NIV) Paul prayed with joy for his Philippian friends. Why would anyone pray with joy? Isn’t prayer a desperate attempt to convince God to respond? Isn’t prayer a last-ditch effort to get a miracle when all else has failed? 

I believe we do not have to convince God of anything. He’s good and amazing. The Bible says, “‘Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.’” (Matthew 6:8, NIV)

God knows what’s best for us, and He’s intent on agreeing with us in prayers and declarations. 

Prayer is coming into agreement with God. The Word of God says, “‘Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.’” (Matthew 18:19, NIV)

Prayer should not be the last-minute Hail Mary. It should be our first line of defense and offense. We pray with joy because we know God is with us. He wants to move heaven and Earth to help us. We pray with joy because He hears our prayers and has compassion on us. “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15, NIV) 

I encourage you to make a list of all your needs and burdens. My mom has done this for over 50 years. I’ve found them in her purse on more than one occasion. It brings tears to my eyes. I didn’t understand this practice when I was young, but I now realize she had a loving relationship with her Heavenly Father.

Pray with joy, because you know that the living God is on your side and will answer. He loves you because you’ve become a miracle.