A Prayer for the Beginning of Summer

Welcoming beach trips, cold Popsicles, sweaty kids, and early sunrises

I listen to the sunrise each morning.

I listen as the sky lights up like fire over our farm and the great oak trees become more visible in the morning shadows. Throughout the year, depending on what time the sun rises, my prayer spot changes in the morning. My summertime perch of choice is our “bird bench” (purchased to solely watch birds out our dining room window). As I sit on the bench, gazing at the painting of colors, listening to the birds sing their morning songs out the thin farmhouse windows, and feeling the warmth of an already hot morning—I exhale slowly.

When the morning sunrise calls for bird bench sitting, I know that summer is coming.

This is the actual sunrise view out my window!

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This prayer today is an invitation to a deeper knowing of God’s presence in the changing of seasons. As children begin summer break and the change of routines becomes reality in full swing—may we be invited to pause, listen, and notice the love of God all around us.

There is so much beauty in the summer season, yet it can also feel so chaotic. Kids get whiny by 9 a.m. and the dishes still stack up. Dentist appointments still need to be attended, while the suitcases in the corner needs to be unpacked from the trip last week.

Take a deep inhale and exhale, dear reader.

You are not alone.

You are right where God has called you to today.

You are here.

He is here.

Let summer invite you into more of Him.

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A Prayer for the Beginning of Summer

Oh God of changing seasons—summer is quickly upon us and we’re not sure if we’re ready.

There are routines already out of rhythm,

tired kids rolling around the floor bored,

bags that need to be packed,

grass that needs to be mowed for the umpteenth time,

and emails that need to be sent amidst camp drop-offs.

Our hearts are ready to breathe in a slower pace of life with You,

but our minds and schedules scream otherwise.

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Invite us to pause more in life—living slower in this season of sticky Popsicles, sweaty brows, and insect bites.

Invite us in listening—to the still small voice that you whisper time and time again, "You are so deeply loved.”

Your voice in the fireflies dancing,

flowers unfolding,

gardens flourishing,

and creeks flowing.

Invite us to notice—your Spirit moving in late-night conversations under the stars, and long afternoon naps on the beach.

Invite us to just be.

To breathe.

To hold.

To be held.

Because all is holy ground.

Amen.

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