010825 - Devotional - Praying With Joy!

Here’s an important question in regards to your prayer life: “When it comes to prayer, is it a burden or is it a joy for you?” As you consider that question, listen to what we find in Philippians 1:3, where Paul says: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy…” And then Paul continues in Philippians 1:4-6 to give 3 reasons why he is able to pray with JOY!
Our church from January 6-26 is involved in the 21 Days of Prayer Challenge, so this is an appropriate question: “When it comes to prayer, is it a burden or is it a joy for you?” I have learned over the years that at times we pray because it is our duty. Or we pray because the situation demands it. Or we pray because we are desperate. However, I also know that we actually pray sometimes because it is a joy to communicate with our heavenly Father! How is it for you? Is it hard to come to prayer with an attitude of joy and excitement? Join us as we open Philippians 1:3-6 and consider exactly how Paul in v. 4 is able to acknowledge that he is “making my prayer with joy.”