Joyful Moments in Christ

Taking time to reflect on God’s faithfulness can transform how we view our days. Psalm 9:1-2 reminds us to give thanks with our whole hearts, to recount the wonderful deeds of the Lord, and to rejoice in him through praise. Even in ordinary moments, God is at work, guiding, sustaining, and providing for us. Let’s say a prayer that will help us to remember God’s goodness, cultivate gratitude, and express joy and praise for all that he has done in our lives.

A Prayer

Dear Father,

I thank you for all of the wonderful things you have done for me. You knit me together in my mother’s womb and have cared for me from my very first breath. Each time I faced difficulty, you placed the right person, the right idea, or the right tool in my path, not just so that I could survive the trial, but so that I could grow stronger and thrive afterward. You walk beside me in both good times and bad, guiding me with your wisdom, comforting me with your presence, and filling my heart with your joy.

Even so, I confess that I do not always show you the gratitude you deserve. I forget that you orchestrate every moment of every day and work it for your good pleasure. I sometimes allow fear, doubt, or resentment to cloud my perspective, forgetting that you are never against me. I believe the lie that life’s hardships are evidence of your anger or neglect, when in reality, you are patiently shaping me for your purposes. Please forgive me for these moments of distrust and help me to live in the assurance of your love.

Thank you that you are a great and awesome God who remembers your children and lovingly cares for them. Thank you that nothing escapes your notice and that you work all things together for our good. May I learn to see your hand in every circumstance, to recognize your provision, and to rejoice in your faithfulness. As Psalm 9:1-2 (ESV) says: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” May these words guide my heart and shape my days.

Lord, help me to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude and praise. Let me rejoice in your goodness, even when life is difficult. Fill me with the joy that comes from knowing you are always present, always faithful, and always working for my ultimate good. May my life reflect your glory and encourage others to remember and celebrate your wonderful deeds as well.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Respond

Please pray a prayer of gratitude and praise.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can use the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication:

• Adoration: Praise God. Does this topic bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
• Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this topic bring any specific sins to mind?
• Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from this topic inspire gratitude?
• Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from this topic inspire a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.