JOY

Snippet

I bear my testimony that there is no joy to be found in all this world like that of sweet communion with Christ. I would barter all else there is of heaven for that.  Indeed, that is heaven. As for the harps of gold and the streets like clear glass and the songs of seraphs and the shouts of the redeemed, one could very well give all these up, counting them as a drop in a bucket, if we might forever live in fellowship and communion with Jesus.  C.H. Spurgeon

Scripture

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Song

Crying in the Chapel Elvis Pressley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00eUebsh68M

You saw me crying in the chapel.

The tears I shed were tears of joy

I know the meaning of contentment

Now I'm happy with the Lord

Just a plain and simple chapel

Where humble people go to pray

I pray the Lord that I'll grow stronger

As I live from day to day

I've searched and I've searched

But I couldn't find

No way on earth

To gain peace of mind

Now I'm happy in the chapel

Where people are of one accord

Yes, we gather in the chapel

Just to sing and praise the Lord

You'll search and you'll search

But you'll never find

No way on earth

To gain peace of mind

Take your troubles to the chapel

Get down on your knees and pray

Then your burdens will be lighter

And you'll surely find the way

Sentence Prayer

Celtic Prayer On Joy

As the hand is made for holding and the eye for seeing,

You have fashioned me for joy.

Share with me the vision that finds that joy everywhere.

In the wild violet’s beauty;

In the lark’s melody;

In the face of a steadfast man;

In a child’s smile;

In a mother’s love;

In the purity of Jesus.

(A Maclean, Hebridean Altars, Moray Press, Edinburgh, 1937 Modified - See more at: http://kathwilliamson.blogspot.com/2010/09/famous-prayers-celtic-prayer-on-joy.html#sthash.HHgVfBh9.dpuf)