Jesus in his teaching often used the word "blessed", for example, "Blessed are the peacemakers" and "Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed" John 20:29, WEB). The word in the Greek new testament for "Blessed" is makarios which means blissful and happy. It also implies an inner state of happiness that is not the product of external circumstances. Imagine for a moment you are on the top of a mountain, and beneath you is a beautiful panoramic view. The contentment and peace that you find there can not be undermined by events that are happening hundreds or thousands of miles away. So it is with the inner contentment that Christ offers. It is a "ring fenced" inner peace that can not be robbed or stolen. A believer in Christ is not "blessed" in this way because of external factors (e.g. a new car or TV) but because their inner life is in union with God. Here, Christ dwells in their heart by faith, and they are content regardless of circumstances, for the joy of the Lord is their strength.

As you pray to receive this joy in your life, you may also like to meditate on some of the bible verses about happiness at the bottom of this page. Here you'll also find some Celtic blessings and a famous prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson. If you find these prayers useful, you may also want to turn them into prayers for a friend or share them with your family or loved ones.

Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open.

John Barrymore (1882-1942)

Lord, take my heart on a journey

(A prayer for happiness and joy)


Lord, take my heart on a journey,
Into your goodness and grace.
Where I walk on grass soft with forgiveness
And wait by the everlasting lake.

Lord, take my mind to a new place
Filled with the promise of life.
Where I rest with great dreams of your kingdom
And wake with a new joy inside.

Lord, take my soul to adventure
May I find greater freedom in you.
Where I run with great vision and insight
And trust that my dreams are from you.

Lord, take me into your promise
Where eternity awaits at the door.
And I find I’m renewed, redeemed and restored
Oh Jesus, I’m alive now for you!

a prayer for happiness from www.lords-prayer-words.com)

Traditional Irish Blessing

May God give you...

For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Celtic Blessing
(An ancient prayer for happiness and joy)

May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.
May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.
And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.