“I Used to Pray for Times Like This” is a popular internet meme featuring Michael Jordan crying while holding his first NBA championship trophy, captioned with lyrics from Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares (Intro).” It expresses ironic joy or fulfillment of long-awaited success.
I Used to Pray for Times Like This Meme Origin
The image originates from June 5, 1991, when Michael Jordan sobbed into the NBA Finals trophy after the Chicago Bulls defeated the Lakers, captured by photographer Andrew D. Bernstein. The caption comes from Meek Mill’s 2012 song lyric: “I used to pray for times like this, to rhyme like this.” The earliest known pairing appeared on Twitter by @reactjpg on September 30, 2021.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Image Source | Michael Jordan crying with 1991 NBA trophy, Chicago Bulls vs. Lakers |
| Lyric Source | Meek Mill – “Dreams and Nightmares (Intro)” (2012) |
| First Meme Post | Twitter @reactjpg, Sep 30, 2021 |
| Common Use | Reaction to good news, achievements, ironic joy |
The meme gained traction on Twitter (now X) in late 2021, used to celebrate personal victories like new music releases or exciting events. Examples include Rihanna’s album drop in 2022 and NFL games. It appears across platforms like Reddit, Facebook, and gaming communities for triumphs in sports, esports, or challenges.
Also Read: Are You Winning Son Meme Meaning
It pairs a photo of Michael Jordan crying while holding his 1991 NBA championship trophy with the caption “I used to pray for times like this” from Meek Mill’s song, used to celebrate long-awaited successes ironically or joyfully.
The phrase is from Meek Mill’s “Dreams and Nightmares (Intro)” released in 2012, expressing aspiration and triumph.
