Defiance is a disposition to resist. The joy we have in Christ allows us to face adversity through the perspective of victory. Jesus has already defeated death. The strength of God sustains us when we are too tired to trudge through this world. The joy Jesus died to grant us is set apart from fleeting feelings of happiness or sadness. Joy remains regardless of what we’re feeling. It’s a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit, residing in every believer. This world, though saturated in disaster and discord, will be righted once again by its Creator. Jesus will return to make all things right. And in this tired world, our joyful defiance shines like the stars in the sky on a clear summer night. We can star gaze with a grateful smile knowing we’re loved, and He’s coming soon.
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Father,
Jesus didn’t have to die for us. His sacrifice didn’t have to be Your plan. From the beginning, You knew we couldn’t follow the laws or make all the sacrifices necessary to be in your presence. And You want us in Your presence! You made a way for us, through Jesus, to function in friendship with You. Abba Father, Jesus Savior, and Holy Spirit, our One True God. Glory up, for Your compassionate love for us. Thank You for the joy we have in Jesus, which supernaturally sustains us through circumstances we cannot bear in our humanity. Thank You for the breath of life, and Your provision for us on this earth. As we continue to live on this earth, may all we do bring glory to You, God.
Jesus, thank You for grace, for joy, for forgiveness, and life.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Father,
To be joyfully defiant in a turbulent and tired world takes a supernatural power that comes only from Living Water. Quench our thirst for it daily. Give us Jesus. We want more and more of Him. Search our hearts, renew our minds, and cleanse us from our daily sins. Father, when we face hard conversations in person and on our news feeds, empower us with Holy Spirit grace and wisdom so our words honor You. Fill us on exhausting and draining days, when merely listening to the news around the world is more than we can bare. Our daily circumstances are often new and unfamiliar these days. Calm us as we walk through uncharted situations and seek wise solutions. Let all those around us who are clinging to things and people who cannot sustain them witness our joyful defiance and know the love of Jesus.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Father,
Through all of the unrest and arguing, we need Your Peace to find our way. To resist an angry disposition, we must yield to compassion and grace. Help us to see each other the way You do, each created with a specific purpose to work together in spreading the love of the gospel to all the ends of the earth. We were not created to be enemies, but the very family of God. Let Your peace reign in our hearts, and forgiveness be at the top of our minds as we navigate difficult situations and try to come to solutions in compromise. Remind us our freedom is in Christ, not in anything or anyone on this earth. Bless our communities with peace and freedom in Christ, Father. Supernaturally bless us with Your wisdom and guidance. Soften our hearts to understand and have compassion for each other. Let us give grace upon grace, as it has been given to us.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Father,
In this tired world, Your servants are often discouraged. Your family, the church, is often pressed on all sides. Let us continue to meet, pray for each other, and fix our eyes on eternity. The church has endured trial and tribulation since ancient times. Our generation will see no different. Yet, just as it endured for centuries prior, it will continue on past our generation as well. It may look different, but hearts after Jesus find new ways to reach those who don’t yet know the defiant joy of Christ. Whether we are able to sit in a church building and worship together or not, the church is alive and active. Bless us with miraculous optimism and encouragement, Father.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Father,
Bless our world with hearts beating with Your compassion. News headlines point fingers and sling blame. Let voices who seek Your peace, and grace, be lofted louder than conflicting views and gossipy banter. Ignite the quest for Truth in our hearts, in a world flooded with false facts. Father You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Guide us daily, to recall You have set us in this generation, and at this time in history, purposefully. Each carefully designed and specifically purposed, Your compassion runs through our faithful steps to make big changes in our world. Bless us with compassionate hearts after Your own, Father, to seek the good in everyone.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Father,
The story of Job reminds us of the severe hardship Your faithful servants can be called to endure on this earth. It isn’t always fair, and injustice abounds. But we can endure this life when it seems impossible to breathe, because of the joy sustaining us. The joy we have in Jesus is defiant and powerful. It will not fail us, leave us, or be negated on account of anything we do or do not do. The defiant joy we have in Jesus is eternal. We pray for this to be at the top of our minds when things get tough. When cures are unknown and peaceful agreements seem far-fetched, remind us we believe in what we cannot see—in a God of miracles. Let us pray big in chaotic and tragic moments and seasons of our lives, when our only hope is in clinging to the defiant Joy we have in Jesus.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Father,
In a world torn apart by pandemic and conflict, mend our fractured lives with peace and love. Friendships are damaged, and families are war-torn. Countries are littered with picket lines and people are suffering. Come, Lord Jesus. Re-connect us to each other, because we were not meant to live this life alone. Let us not fail to meat together. Help us to find and reconnect with each other. Give those the courage who are afraid to step out of their homes the will to win over fear. We pray for peace, justice, and living water of Jesus’ love to flow into every crack and crevice of each heart on earth. Reveal what is true, Father, and lay Your healing hand over this world. Remind us of the muscle of joyful defiance we all have the potential to flex. Soften hearts to see and know Your love for them. Even in our mess, Your arms are always wide open. Glory up.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Serenity Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Prayer for God’s Help
Prayer for Anxiety
Prayer for Strength
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This article is part of our larger Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayer for God's Help
Prayer for Strength
Prayer for Protection
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Originally published Monday, 24 August 2020.
