A Prayer about Jesus’ Joyful Kingship
But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
(Heb. 1:8–9)
Lord Jesus, there’s really nothing that affects my life more than how I think about you. The more I see you everywhere in the Scriptures, the more I understand why you alone are worthy of our adoration, affection, and allegiance. I expect to say the same thing ten thousand years from now.
Today I’m marveling at your joyful kingship. It’s stunning to see the relationship between your joy and your hatred of wickedness and love of righteousness. Jesus, you delight to crush evil and you rejoice in making all things new. Indeed, your kingdom is a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:7). The Father has placed the government of the entire cosmos on your shoulders, and your reign of grace and peace is expanding all the time. You are the joyful King of the ages.
But I also marvel at your request for the Father to fill your church with this very same joy—the fullness of your joy— the joy you have eternally enjoyed within the Godhead (John 17:13).
May an increase in our joy propel us into expanded servant hood. May it be the fire we need for doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God. May the oil of your joy encourage and refresh us lest we grow weary in the battle.
Jesus, Satan was crushed under your feet on the cross, and he will soon be crushed under our feet at your return (Rom. 16:20). Your throne will last forever and ever, and your kingdom will never end. We pray with joy, in your triumphant name.
Amen.