Summer Fruit Devotion: Joy Day 3

Joy in Prayer

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:3-11

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Prayer has many different aspects. We pray in repentance. We pray in need. We pray in sorrow. And we pray in joy. Joyful prayer comes from deep gratitude. Even in prison Paul was so grateful for the Philippians his prayers were full of joy. They were his brothers and sisters in Christ and fellow servants in the gospel. He had affection in his heart for them. He knew they were struggling but hearing of their faith brought him so much joy. When you pray for your church family and friends in the faith let that gratitude and joy and love abound in you.

Journal time. Make a list of your “gospel partners” and commit to “pray with joy” for them for one week. Some examples would be your pastors, whatever team you serve with at church, your community group, and your spouse as you minister the gospel to your children.

Pray with me today. Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing your will to us. Help us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. We really are grateful for our family of faith and that we don’t have to go it alone as we preach the gospel and minister to each other. Continue the good work you began in us as we partake of your grace together. Help us to bear this fruit of joy into each other’s lives. In Jesus’ good and gracious name we pray, Amen.