In our prayers of rejoicing, we acknowledge God in all his goodness and favor. We express joy in God’s love and his presence with us in all our circumstances: good, bad, and in between. With prayers of joy we give thanks to God for all his provision for us…even when we don’t feel especially joyful.

Joy is an emotion we feel when we experience “great delight or happiness by something exceptionally good or satisfying.” We rejoice by expressing our joy on our faces and in our actions. Many of the events in our lives lead to rejoicing: weddings, the birth of a child, that child’s graduation, starting a new job, winning a game, or receiving a long-awaited answer to prayer. When we’re invited to pray on such occasions, we pray with rejoicing.

Joy affirms God’s Goodness

As Christians, we rejoice in response to God’s creation, his forgiveness, his perfect love for us, and the connections he gives us within our communities. says, More than 400 passages in the Bible extoll rejoicing in our relationship with God. Here are just a few examples:

Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name (Psalm 97:12).

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:12).

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you (Philippians 3:1).

Responding to God with joy is a fitting response for all he has done for us.

Thanksgiving and Gratitude: Rejoice Prayer

The problem is that we don’t always feel joyful. Our bodies fail, we lose a job, relationships break up, and our personal shortcomings can cloud our trust in God’s plan. In short, our joy is imperfect. Sometimes, we might feel like we’re just going through the motions. But prayers of rejoicing can re-center our focus on God’s perfect loving plan.

In her book, A Guidebook to Prayer, Mary Kate Morse writes about joy and prayer. She combines those concepts to create what she calls “Rejoice Prayer.”

Rejoice prayer is a prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude. It lifts our eyes to the hills from where our strength comes. It reconnects us with God who delights in our praise. By praying with gratitude we are lifted in spirit and we are given a broader perspective. The Holy Spirit comforts us and reminds us of Jesus’ love. The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom to see beyond trials to the power of the cross to turn on the light in every place of darkness (p. 235).

Guidelines to Rejoice Prayer

How do we pray a rejoice prayer? Maybe you’re trying to pray joyfully on your own, or you’ve been asked to pray at a wedding or other special occasion that calls for joyful prayer. How do you lead a time of rejoice prayer? A Guidebook to Prayer (p. 236) shares some guidelines for these special celebratory prayers. Rejoice prayer:

• Affirms God’s goodness in response to gratitude for Christ's sacrifice.

• Proclaims faith and invites us into the mystery and goodness of God.

• Dismisses neither evil and injustice nor pain and difficulties, but expresses confidence in God.

The Holy Spirit is ever interceding on our behalf, and our joy and gratitude unleash power. Rejoice prayer is an ongoing mindset, rather than a one-off prayer.

An Example of a Rejoice Prayer

The next time you are asked to lead prayer at a celebration, you can use this prayer as a guide to spur on creativity and craft your own:

We gather together, loving God, in celebration of _______________ (name of event or persons impacted). We are overwhelmed with gratitude that you care for us, and we recognize your powerful work today. We thank you for your care for them and for us. We are reminded that you are a perfectly loving God with a perfect plan for us.

We ask for your blessing as we gather together. We ask for your help as we live into the command from 1 Thessalonians 5. May we rejoice always, may we pray continually, and let us give thanks in all circumstances; for this is your will for us in Christ Jesus. We celebrate the gift of today; help us to let go of disappointments of the past and trust you with our future. We know joy because we know you. We praise you, God, for you give us so much more than all we ask or imagine.

In the name of Jesus, the perfect gift, we pray. Amen.

May you be encouraged to pray with joy and confidence. May you always rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Would you like to read more about joy and how it impacts our prayers and our faith journey? Our sister ministry, Groundwork, has a podcast called The Fruit of Joy.