When You’re Desperate: 21 Days of Honest PrayerSample

Joy didn’t come after everything got easier — it came in the middle of resistance. The disciples had just been pushed out of a city, and still, they were full of joy and the Holy Spirit. That’s what happens when you stay close to God in the middle of pressure. Desperate prayer doesn’t drain you of joy — it brings you back to the kind of joy rooted in Him, not in your circumstances.

Practice:

You don’t have to settle for simply asking God for relief — ask Him for joy. His joy is full of the Spirit, stronger than your circumstances, and able to hold you even when things feel heavy. When you come to God in desperation, don’t believe the lie that joy is off the table. You can come to Him from a place of desperation and leave with joy.

Guided Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

As Your disciple,

I will follow You wholeheartedly,

seeking Your will in all I do.

Fill me with joy

that surpasses circumstances,

Let this joy be my strength

and a testimony to Your goodness.

Use my joy to shine bright in darkness,

bringing hope and comfort to those around me.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit,

and empower me to live boldly for You.

Guide my steps

and prompt me to speak Your truth.

Help my life to glorify Your name

and bless those around me.

I surrender my life to You again today,

ready to be filled with Your joy

and empowered by Your Spirit.