Welcome to the Prayers of Rest podcast.

I'm your host, Ashrida Chuchu, and this season we're praying for joy together.

So take a deep breath and quiet your heart as we become aware of God's loving presence around us and within us.

Today's passage comes from John 15, verse 11.

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy.

Yes, your joy will overflow. Let's begin by reciting God's goodness.

Jesus, thank you for this promise that you've given, not just your disciples, but all who

believe in and belong to you. Thank you that you place your joy in our hearts.

That even in those times when we do walk through trials and suffering and hardships,

thank you that we are never alone because you've placed your own spirit within us.

God, we praise you that even when,

even when the worst comes to pass,

we are not alone.

We are not forgotten.

We're not overlooked.

Thank you, Jesus,

for this great and precious promise that you would place your own joy in our hearts through your spirit.

So take a moment now to praise God for His gift of joy.

Thank Jesus for being the one who longs to share with you his own joy. I'm Let's continue now by expressing our neediness.

Jesus, as you talk to your disciples about joy here in John 15, you connect it so closely

to receiving your love, to loving others, to obeying

your command, to love.

...