Day 21: Inviting the Joy of the Lord

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

- Isaiah 61:1-3

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He brought forth His people with joy.

- Psalm 105:43

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Lord, I pray that David and Elizabeth be given the gift of joy. (I think I need this prayer today, too.) Let the spirit of joy rise up in our hearts this day and may we know the fullness of joy that is found only in Your presence. Help us to understand that true happiness and joy are found only in You.
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Whenever my children or myself are overtaken by negative emotions, surround us with Your love. Teach us to say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). Deliver us from despair, depression, loneliness, discouragement, anger or rejection. May these negative attitudes have no place in David, Elizabeth or their Mom. Nor shall they be a lasting part of our lives. May we decide in our hearts, "My soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation" (Psalm 35:9).
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I know, Lord, that any negative emotions my children feel are lies, as are any that I feel, and are contrary to the truth of Your Word. Plant Your Word firmly in our hearts and increase our faith daily. Enable us to abide in Your love and derive strength from the joy of the Lord, this day and forever.*
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You will show me the path of life;

in Your presence is fullness of joy;

at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

- Psalm 16:11

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Now may the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

that you may abound in hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

- Romans 15:13

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*Make this prayer your own! From the book, The Power of a Praying Parent. Ordering information is at the bottom of the page.