JOY AND PRAYER

 

JOY AND PRAYER

 

"I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete."    That's Jesus in the Gospel of John   (15:11).   Do we believe him?

 

Joy runs like a bright thread through the Old and New Testaments.   Abraham and Sarah laugh for joy at the improbable birth of their son Isaac.   The very first word of the very first psalm is "happy."   Jesus speaks of joy, the disciples experience joy at the resurrection,  and St. Paul lists joy as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.   So why do we have a hard time including joy in our prayer?

 

Perhaps because we sometimes forget that Jesus of Nazareth was joyful, delighting in the company of children,  enjoying himself at wedding parties,  and visiting friends like Mary and Martha and Lazarus.   He is not just the "Man of Sorrows" but the "Man of Joys."

 

So the next time you pray,  why not make a list of the things that bring you joy?   That list could include something funny that your children or grandchildren,  or nieces or nephews, said to you.   Or things that consistently cause joy, like the good human of a close friend.  Or the deep-down knowledge that Christ is risen and that he has promised to be with you always.   Make a "joy inventory," and then share that with God in prayer.   Think of God listening to you and being joyful with you in turn.

 

Smile with God, and imagine God smiling with you.   And let your joy be complete.

 

 (written by Fr. James Martin, SJ,  p. 7 in the August issue of GIVE US THIS DAY, a daily missalette from Liturgical Press.)