These verses teach me about the interconnectedness of joy to prayer and the giving of thanks. The words 'always', 'without ceasing' and 'all' point me to an integrated life - lived from within. In reality no one can live these out 24x7. Yet the heart of these verses seem more about an inner attitude than an outer performance. And a life connected to the heart of God.
Jesus put it this way: "Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water." The promise of the new heart is the promise of connection to God - the source of joy. This joy flows like a river from our heart as we connect with God through prayer and the giving thanks. In a sense prayer and thanksgiving are the gateways to these springs of joy.
Open our eyes Lord to the joy that is ours when we pray and give thanks. Endow us with an awareness of your presence and help us to lean into the Holy Spirit when we are sad. Cause joy to spring forth from within us as we pray and release our cares to you.
We pray in your joy-filled name. Amen
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