A Prayer about Laughing without Fear of the Future

“She laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Princes) (8-9)

Mighty and Merciful God,

You truly make us awe-some (literally, “full of awe.”)

We know the verse, 

“This is the day the Lord has made; 

let us rejoice and be glad in it,” (Ps. 118:24), 

but we are less familiar with the verse that comes before, 

the reason for our rejoicing: 

“This is the Lord’s doing; 

it is marvelous in our eyes.” 

Generous Father, help us to rejoice today, 

to “laugh without fear of the future” (Proverbs 31:25) 

because of all of your marvelous doings. 

Help us to look and to see 

your many mighty wonders — 

the ones you have already done — 

in Christ, 

in our lives, 

even in this world. 

[pause to remember some of the Lord’s marvelous doings]. 

As we do, 

help us to laugh, 

to be glad, 

to rejoice. 

Even in the midst of sorrow and tears, 

dry our eyes 

as we remember your redemption 

and look forward 

to the “hope laid up for [us] in heaven” (Col. 1:4).

In the name of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, we pray.

Amen.

Read Psalm 118.