A Prayer about the Joy of God’s Presence

You make known to me the path of life, in your presence there is fullness of joy    Psalm 16:11

Joy-full Father, 

We want to live lives full of joy, 

but we admit, we are often confused 

about what that means and how to do it. 

First of all, our world tells us to “be happy,” 

and to be happy in our world 

often means having happy circumstances — 

fulfilling work, 

a happy marriage, 

teenagers who adore you and us, 

grandchildren who call us every week. 

Second, we’re busy. 

We have such full lives 

that it’s hard to slow down 

and look to you for the joy 

we can only find in you.

Help us, Lord, 

to “cease striving and know that you are God” (Ps. 46:10), 

to obey your command to rest, 

because when we do, 

we enjoy your presence 

and see your beauty. 

Help us, Lord, 

to remember that happy circumstances 

are sweet gifts from you, 

not something we deserve or demand.

Help us, Lord,

to remember the greatest gift is 

your love, 

your delight, 

and your presence. 

All of these gifts come from your Son, Jesus, 

and your Spirit, our comforter and counselor. 

Help us, Lord,

To look to your right hand, 

where Jesus sits on the throne, 

and to know that we will soon join Jesus 

in our heavenly kingdom, 

and there we will find “pleasures forevermore” (Ps. 16:11b).

Amen.