“You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Ps. 16:11); “Restore to me the joy of your salvation...” (Ps. 51:12)
Lord Jesus, knowing you is personal, but not a private affair. Today as we come, we bring precious faces and names with us. Everybody needs what you alone can give—new mercies, fresh grace and a core of transcendent joy.
We all have stories of failure and fear, burdens and weakness, heartache and longings. The details differ, but our need for the Gospel is the same. Thankfully, you welcome us with kindness and tenderness. Gratefully, you intend our hearts to beat with joy—even when we have pain in our bodies, clouds over our heads, and unknowns about our future.
Jesus, your joy is our strength—strength for being weak and honest about our condition. Strength for repenting, hoping, and waiting upon you. Above all, strength for adoring you, for you alone are worthy of our affection and worship.
The only sacrifice we cling to is yours—your “It is finished” work on our behalf. So, we ask with confidence and expectancy on this Sunday in July. Bring us back to the joyful, childlike love we experienced when we first met you (Rev. 2:4)—a love fueled by the undeserved, unparalleled, unwavering love you have for us (1 John 4:19). So very Amen we pray, in your beautiful and powerful name.