God,

Today as we go about our lives,
Grant to us moments of joy.

Joy in knowing that you are for us,
That you are with us,
That you are beside us.

Remind us that even if this day
Brings troubles and tears,
That Spirit in us can still bear the fruit
Of joy.

Let it be something we cannot
Understand completely, but
Let joy be a byproduct of your work

In us
Through us
Around us
In spite of us.

Help us to see that to take joy from others-
Whether through condemnation or trauma-
Is to deny your spirit work in them.

Lead us to those whose joy has been crushed
By those who claim your name but
Curse your creation and
Place conditions on your unconditional love.

May we remind them
That you find joy in them
Not as a result of doing, but
Simply as a result of being.

God,
Welcome us with joy.
Jesus,
Fill us with your joy.
Spirit,
Let joy flow out of us.

Amen.