Three prayers to say to God to find joy in life again, draw on his strength and thank him for what he has already done.
Pick a categoryJoy can fade after a trial, a time of exhaustion or a long gray season. This page is for you if you long to enjoy life again. The joy the Bible speaks of is not the absence of pain: it is a strength that comes from the presence of God. You can simply ask him for it.
Lord, my heart is heavy and I have little joy left. I come to you, because you are the source of true joy. Father, restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. Do not let me shut myself away in sadness or forget your blessings. Help me see the small signs of your goodness in my day. May your joy become my strength when mine is spent. Thank you for hearing me. In Jesus' name, amen.
Psalm 51:12
Father, I entrust to you what has taken my joy: the losses, the disappointments, the exhaustion, what I cannot even name. You know every tear. I do not ask you to pretend with me, but to comfort me. You promised to turn weeping into songs of joy. I give you my past and my present. Heal what is wounded and awaken in me the desire to praise you. May my joy not depend on what happens to me, but on who you are. I lean on you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Psalm 126:5
Lord, thank you for the joy you put in my heart, even in the middle of trials. Thank you for salvation in Jesus, for your presence, for the people you have given me and for each new day. Father, teach me to rejoice in you in all circumstances, with gratitude. May this joy be visible around me and make others want to know you. You are good, and your faithfulness lasts forever. May my life praise you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Nehemiah 8:10
« For the joy of the Lord is your strength. »
Nehemiah 8:10
I proclaim that the joy of the Lord is my strength today, whatever my circumstances may be.
« You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. »
Psalm 16:11
I declare that in God's presence there is fullness of joy, and at his right hand are pleasures forevermore.
« These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. »
John 15:11
I proclaim that the joy of Jesus remains in me, and my own joy is made full through my abiding in him.
« Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. »
1 Peter 1:8
I declare that though I have not seen him, I love and believe in Jesus, and I rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.
« Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. »
Psalm 126:5
I proclaim that whatever tears I have sown, I will reap a harvest of joy, for God turns my seasons of sorrow into celebration.
Happiness often depends on circumstances, whereas biblical joy comes from a relationship with God. It can exist alongside pain. Paul writes from prison, “Rejoice in the Lord always”: this joy rests on who God is and what he does for us.
Yes, it happens. The psalms speak of sadness and discouragement. If this lack of joy lasts, do not stay alone: talk to a loved one, to a pastor, and to a doctor if needed. Faith does not forbid seeking help.
Thank God daily for specific things, read his Word, pray and sing to him. Joy is also a fruit of the Spirit: it grows as we stay close to God. Sharing with other believers also feeds this joy.