Happy Holidays! This joyous seasonal phrase will be heard in living rooms, grocery stores, and churches all throughout the country for a little more than a month. For many people, this is truly the best time of the year. But it doesn’t come without trouble.

For one reason or another, there are people who find spending time with family burdensome. But, while the potential for social mishaps exist during this time of year, the opportunity to have a joyful and peaceful reunion with loved ones is within their reach.  The following three prayers might be a good place to begin if you want to have a joyful and peaceful holiday season.

Overwhelming Gratitude

Nothing gets you in a joyful frame of mind like giving thanks. Read all of Psalm 23, but here are the first four verses. To start out this Christmas season right, say a prayer of gratitude to the One who makes joy and peace possible.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:1-4

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being an awesome God. Thank your for providing all of my needs. I know that without you I am nothing. Everything that I am and I have is from you. I am grateful that my heart and mind can be at peace because You are always with me. You are my sustenance and my strength. Your love guides me into righteousness and I am grateful for everything that we have been through together. Because of You, I am never alone. Thank you for a new day and every new moment that I live. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Joy in Serving

There’s a saying that it is better to give than to receive. Usually, this infers that one person has given something tangible to another. In return, they receive something intangible. If you are truly looking for joy this holiday season, give, serve, encourage someone else first.

“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Proverbs 22:9

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the opportunity to serve those who are in need. I have been blessed in so many ways and pray to be a blessing to others. Help me to keep my eyes and heart open to the needs around me. Help me to be generous, regardless of how much or how little I have. Thank you for the joy I feel when I know someone’s life has been changed from my service. I pray to continue to be obedient to your call to love others and that I will never lose sight of what’s most important. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Everlasting Peace

While the holidays can be thrilling, many people dread the potential disagreements and arguments that result from unwanted or unwise conversations. Often times, things can become tense when you are around family members you haven’t seen in a while or who you just don’t like. If you desire peace during the holidays, then it’s important to learn how to be a peacemaker.

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“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the opportunity to look beyond my own desires during this holiday season. I know that peace comes from setting aside my own selfishness and being grateful for what I have, serving those with less, and considering others before myself. Even though it’s tough, I want to be a peacemaker. Help me to quickly resolve conflict by practicing humility. Help me to not be mindful of my words and actions. Help me to be thoughtful in every situation and to behave in a way that brings honor and glory to Your name. Thank you for the peace that passes all understanding and that only comes from You. In Jesus name, Amen.

As you continue to enjoy your holiday season, it is my hope that you are blessed by these prayers and as a result are able to bless others. Joy and peace are not impossible during the holidays. Even with all the hustle and bustle, take some time to pray and allow God to give you the joy and peace you desire.

BMWK, have you prayed for joy and peace today?