These Aren't The Prayers You're Looking For

Wednesday, July 09, 2014 Posted by Katie

One of my most favorite families in the world has a fabulous habit of JOY. There is always laughter in their house. Someone is always smiling. Someone is always cracking jokes. Someone is always joyful.

I love that.

I want that.

And I now pray for that on a daily basis.

I have spent time praying for other things in my lifetime. I’ve prayed for more money to ease our strain. I’ve prayed to be able to stay home with my kids. I’ve prayed to move closer to family. I’ve prayed to move to Colorado. I’ve prayed for opportunities. I’ve prayed for more kids. I’ve prayed please-God-no-more-kids. Ha!

I have prayed any number of things that I think will make my little world a better, easier place.

But over time I began to wonder about those prayers. Because, ultimately, at the end of the day, if I had laughter in my house, a smile on my face, good humor, and was privileged to be around people who had the same, I’d be pretty well off.

Turns out, I just wanted Joy.

When it comes to joy, I am aware of two things. One, I know people who have many of the things I pray for...who never seem to be joyful. And two, I know people (see “favorite family” reference above) who have none of the things I pray for...and yet are exceedingly, and contagiously joyful.

This simply confirms to me that Joy goes beyond circumstances, and settles deep into the fabric of one’s heart. C.S. Lewis wrote in “Surprised by Joy” that while pleasure is a thing within our power, Joy never is.

Joy is a gift. And we may ask for it.

Are these the prayers you’re looking for?

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy…The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” - Psalm 126:2