Pause
Preparing my heart for prayer, I close my eyes and lift my face toward the light in this space, welcoming Your Holy Spirit. I dwell here in silence for a moment, opening my heart to hear You speak. Feeling the warmth of Your gaze upon me, I feel ready to speak to You and ready to listen to Your loving voice.
Ask
Jesus, I give thanks that You always hear me, and with a heart overflowing with gratitude, I offer You this prayer for happiness. I imagine that the joy and contentment You offer us is a holy river flowing through our lives. Today I ask for Your help in entering that river, in feeling its cold water wash over me.
Listen
I remember Your generous words to us, God, Your promise to give us not just life, but abundant life. I imagine, Jesus, that in Your time on earth, You laughed and smiled and enjoyed Your life and the people around You to the fullest. I ask You for that same openness and receptiveness to abiding joy, to happiness that springs up everywhere, like bright wildflowers in an open field.
Share
Together with the Holy Spirit, I make an honest accounting of the barriers to happiness in my life, the things that hold me back from embracing the joy that You offer to me. I envision these barriers as stone walls, and I ask for Your help, Jesus, in dismantling them, stone by stone. I give thanks that I can leave my worries safely cradled in Your hands and step forward into happiness.
Reflect
I breathe deeply with gratitude, God, knowing that You hear my prayer and that You are always glad to spend time with me, inviting me into the light of Your presence. I carry the warmth of our conversation with me into my day, knowing that each time I experience happiness, You are enjoying it alongside me.
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