Category: joy

Night prayer

Ruth Kirk

Image: Patricia Alexandre, Pixabay

I lie awake thinking of you,
meditating on you through the night
(Psalm 63:6; NLT).

1. In silent contemplation
I adore you,
Opening my heart and soul
Before you;

2. Sharing all my joy, and fear
And sorrow;
Ready, Lord, to start again,
Tomorrow.

3. In silent contemplation
I adore you,
Resting here, alone, and still,
Before you;

4. Sharing in your joy, and fear
And sorrow;
Ready, Lord, to start again,
Tomorrow.

References

1. Be silent before the Sovereign Lord (Zephaniah 1:7; NIV).

We adore you as the one who is over all things (1 Chronicles 29:11; NLT).

You desire honesty from the womb (Psalm 51:6; NLT).

2. Pray about everything (Philippians 4:6; NLT).

In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).

When I awake, I am still with you (Psalm 139:18; NIV).

3. Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28; NLT).

When you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private (Matthew 6:6; NLT).

Be still in the presence of the Lord (Psalm 37:7; NLT).

4. If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT).

His mercies begin afresh each morning (Lamentations 3:22; NLT).

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past (Isaiah 43:18; NIV).

Start afresh

Ruth Kirk

Image: Marc Torfs, Pixabay

His mercies begin afresh each morning (Lamentations 3:22; NLT).

1. Lord,
I want to follow you,
So may I start afresh today
By turning from my selfish ways,
And taking up my cross.

2. Lord,
I want to follow you,
So may I start afresh today
By spreading patience, joy, and love,
Whilst welcoming each loss.

3. Lord,
I want to follow you,
So may I start afresh today
By thanking you for all you send,
And praying without cease.

4. Lord,
I want to follow you,
So may I start afresh today
By seeing you in everyone,
And living in your peace.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past
(Isaiah 43:18; NIV).

 

References

1. Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23; NLT).

2. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-3; NRSV).

The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord! (Job 1:21; NLT).

Always rejoice (1 Thessalonians 5:16; NIV).

I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake (2 Corinthians 12:10; NLT).

3. Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).

Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).

4. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NIV).

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18; NLT).

Start afresh

Ruth Kirk


His mercies begin afresh each morning (Lamentations 3:22; NLT).

1. Lord,
I want to follow you,
So may I start afresh today
By turning from my selfish ways,
And taking up my cross.

2. Lord,
I want to follow you,
So may I start afresh today
By spreading patience, joy, and love,
Whilst welcoming each loss.

3. Lord,
I want to follow you,
So may I start afresh today
By thanking you for all you send
And praying without cease.

4. Lord,
I want to follow you,
So may I start afresh today
By seeing you in everyone,
And living in your peace.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past
(Isaiah 43:18; NIV).

References

1. Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23; NLT).

2. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-3; NRSV).

The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord! (Job 1:21; NLT).

Always rejoice (1 Thessalonians 5:16; NIV).

I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake (2 Corinthians 12:10; NKJV).

3. Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).

Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).

4. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NIV).

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18; NLT).

Wash away

Ruth Kirk

Image: 2331323, Pixabay

1. Wash away my dread, Lord God,
And take away my pain.

2. Cleanse me of all guilt and sin,
And give me hope again.

3. Wrap me in your loving arms,
So I may feel you near,

4. And fill me with your joy and peace –
Then I will have no fear.

 

References

1. You will live in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and day (Deuteronomy 28:66; NIV).

There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever (Revelation 21:4; NLT).

2. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7; NLT).

Your word is my source of hope (Psalm 119:114; NLT).

3. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you (Deuteronomy 33:27; NLT).

From Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are called, wrapped in the love of God the father and kept for Jesus Christ (Jude 1:1; NET).

You have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13; NLT).

4. Give me back my joy again (Psalm 51:8; NLT).

I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give you is a gift the world cannot give (John 14:27; NLT).

The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Hebrews 13:6; NKJV).

One day

Ruth Kirk

Image: Skitterphoto, Pexels; words: RK

The one sitting on the throne said,
“Look, I am making everything new!”
(Revelation 21:5; NLT).

1. One day,
You will give me a new body.
Then, at last,
I’ll walk, and dance, and run.

2. One day,
You will give me a new mind, Lord.
Then, at last,
I’ll grasp all you have done.

3. One day,
You will give me a new spirit.
Then, at last,
I’ll never fear again.

4. One day,
You will give me a new heart, Lord.
Then, at last,
I’ll weep with joy: Amen!

Let God transform you into a new person
(Romans 12:2; NLT).

 

References

1. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies (1 Corinthians 15:43-4; NLT).

Our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies (1 Corinthians 15:53; NLT).

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31; NIV).

2. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5; NKJV).

We have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16; NLT).

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19; NIV).

3. I will […] put a new spirit in you (Ezekiel 36:26; NIV).

At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster (Zephaniah 3:15; NLT).

They will eat and sleep in safety, and no one will make them afraid (Zephaniah 3:13; NLT).

4. I will give you a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26; NIV).

Tears of joy will stream down their faces (Jeremiah 31:9; NLT).

Loving you

Ruth Kirk

Image: Sebi6000, Pixabay; wording: RK

Love the Lord your God with all your heart,
all your soul, all your strength,
and all your mind
(Luke 10:27; NLT).

1. Lord,
I share my joy with you,
Loving you with all my mind,
Worshipping your holy name,
And praising you, for you are kind.

2. Lord,
I share my fear with you,
Loving you with all my might,
Putting all my faith in you,
And clinging to you day and night.

3. Lord,
I share my sin with you,
Loving you with all my heart,
Trusting in your clemency,
And knowing you will take my part.

4. Lord,
I share my pain with you,
Loving you with all my soul,
Resting in your tender arms,
And trusting you to make me whole.

 

References

1. Love the Lord your God […] with all your mind (Luke 10:27; NLT).

Your name is holy! (Psalm 99:3; NLT). 

How kind the Lord is! (Psalm 116:5; NLT). 

2. Love the Lord your God […] with all your might (Deuteronomy 6:5; RSV).

Your mercy is so plentiful (Psalm 69:16; NLT).

I cling to you (Psalm 63:8; NLT).

3. Love the Lord your God with all your heart (Deuteronomy 6:5; RSV).

He forgives all my sins (Psalm 103:2-4; NLT).

4. Love the Lord your God […] with all your soul (Deuteronomy 6:5; RSV).

The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you (Deuteronomy 33:27; NLT).

His hands make whole (Job 5:18; NKJV).

The mind of Christ

Ruth Kirk

Image: Manfred Antranias Zimmer, Pixabay

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus
(Philippians 2:5; NKJV).

1. I share my mortal dread with you:
Father,
Help me to do your will.

2. I share my agony with you:
Strengthen my faith 

To trust you still.

3. I share my dying breath with you:
Father,
Receive my sacrifice.

4. I share my endless joy with you:
For we are one,
In paradise.

Image: Free-Photos, Pixabay

References

1. In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).

He became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me (Matthew 26:37-8; NLT).

The thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me (Job 3:25; RSV).

If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine (Matthew 26:39; NLT).

2. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (Matthew 27:46; NIV).

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).

3. Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last (Luke 23:46; NLT).

4. Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21; NLT).

I and the Father are one (John 10:28-30; NIV).

Today you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43; NIV).

As Christ did

Ruth Kirk

Image: Gift Habeshaw, Pexels

1. In joy, Lord,
May I worship you,
As Christ did
When he walked this earth.

2. In trials, Lord,
May I cling to you,
As Christ did,
With faith unsurpassed.

3. In grief, Lord,
May I cry to you,
As Christ did
When he lost all hope.

4. In death, Lord,
May I call your name,
As Christ did
When he breathed his last.

 

References

1. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendour (1 Chronicles 16:29; NLT).

Jesus, full of the joy of the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Luke 10:21; NIV).

2. Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him (Deuteronomy 13:4; NLT).

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil […] “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say: You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him” (Matthew 4:1,10; NLT).

3. Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer (Lamentations 2:19; NLT).

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; NIV).

4. I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord (Zephaniah 3:9; NIV).

When Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, he said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last (Luke 23:46; NKJV).

Give back…

Ruth Kirk

Image: S. Hermann & F. Richter, Pixabay

The Lord gave me what I had,
and the Lord has taken it away
(Job 1:21; NLT).

Lord,

1. Give me back my joy again:
Please let me share your grace
And peace.

2. Give me back my health again,
So I can serve you
Without cease.

3. Give me back all I have lost,
For then my trials
Won’t seem so long,

4. But if you don’t, Lord,
I’ll accept your will,
For when I’m weak, I’m strong.

References

1. Give me back my joy again; you have broken me – now let me rejoice (Psalm 51:8; NLT).

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour give you grace and peace (Titus 1:4; NLT).

2. “I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord (Jeremiah 30:17; NLT).

Serve the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 13:4; NLT).

3. I will give you back what you lost (Joel 2:25; NLT).

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows (John 16:33; NLT).

4. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God, and never anything bad?
(Job 2:10; NLT).

If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine (Matthew 26:39; NLT).

To keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh. […] Three times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me […] for when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:7-10; NLT).

Your will be done

Ruth Kirk

Image: kmicican, Pixabay

1. I offer my body and mind to you,
I open my heart and soul.

2. Forgive my sins, and heal me, Lord;
I beg you: make me whole.

3. But if it’s your desire
That I should suffer with your Son,

4. Please help me to accept my lot with joy:
Your will be done.

References

1. You and I both belong to God (Job 33:6; NLT).

2. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases (Psalm 103:3; NLT).

3. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death (Philippians 3:10; NLT).

God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21; NLT).

4. By God’s power accept your share of suffering for the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8; NET).

I am overflowing with joy in the midst of all our suffering (2 Corinthians 7:4; NET.

If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine (Matthew 26:39; NLT).