Pause for Prayer: SUNDAY 12/12

In these days before Christmas we find ourselves surrounded by the happiness of others who might seem to have a joy in their hearts that we have trouble finding in our own.  When it's hard to find the joy, difficult to rejoice, we might pray this way...

I rejoice, Lord -
in every joy I've ever known...

I rejoice in joy forgotten:
help me remember and savor it...

I rejoice in the simple joys of youth
even if my youth was not always joyful...

I rejoice for all the good times past:
let me not forget them
or lose them among lesser memories... 

I rejoice in the hard times I have known

when you had my back

and saw me through 'til all was well...

I rejoice in the hope that lifts my spirits -
even if sometimes hope leaves me disappointed...

I rejoice in those who love me:
family, friends and each kind stranger
whose path crosses mine today...

I rejoice just in knowing
that you want me to be happy, Lord,
in mind and heart, in peace...

I rejoice in knowing you forgive me, Lord,

each and every time I fall 

and turn to you for pardon...

I rejoice in all the second chances
you've so generously given me
and all the new beginnings I have known...

I rejoice in knowing that even when I'm sad
your gifts of peace and joy are there for me,
they wait for me...

Help me claim what joy I've turned away
when I was hurt and angry, Lord,
or sinking in self-pity...

I rejoice in knowing, Lord,
that my burdens aren't forever
that all shall be well,
that all shall be well,
that all manner of things shall be well...

In all times, Lord, in good and in bad,
I thank you for the joy
of simply knowing you...

And because I know you love me,
I rejoice, Lord, I rejoice...

Amen.


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