Summer is a season full of relaxing pool days, fun barbeque nights, and family vacations to the beach. This time of year is when we can slow down and enjoy God’s beautiful creation to its fullest. As we enjoy the warm days and all that this season brings, here are 8 thoughtful prayers to help guide you as you invite God to be a part of your summertime.
1. I will meditate on Your majestic, glorious splendor and Your wonderful miracles. – Psalm 145:5 NLT
Father God, thank You for the warmth of the sun and the increased daylight. Thank You for the beauty I see all around me and the opportunity to be outside and enjoy Your creation. Thank You for the increased time I have with my friends and family. Draw me close to You this summer. Help me to sense Your presence with me at all times. Please open my eyes to the truths found in Your Word. As I enjoy Your creation, create in me a pure heart and a hunger and thirst for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. – Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT
Jesus, this summer will be full of new experiences for me and my friends such as new jobs, exciting mission trips, and vacations. May I grow in maturity and character through all I do, and trust that You have planned out this summer for me and my family, from beginning to end. May I end the summer season looking more like You. In Your name, I pray, amen.
3. The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe. – Proverbs 18:10 NLT
Father, as I enter these summer months and make travel plans, I ask You to send Your angels to guide and protect me. Thank You that all of my days are in Your hands. I also ask that You keep my family and friends safe from all harm and injury while on the road and away from home. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 NLT
Lord, I am so thankful for the long warm days ahead. I’m excited for picnics, family gatherings, and resting. Help me to rest, slow down, and enjoy the abundant life that is all around me. May I be reminded to rest in the cool shade of Your presence. Regardless of what I may face at work or at home, slow down my restless heart and fill me with intentional compassion for those around me. Amen.
5. If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and He will repay you! – Proverbs 19:17 NLT
God, as the heat of summer intensifies, let me be mindful of the needs of people around me. Today, I pray for those without air conditioning, electricity, clean water, and health care. I pray for those who may be in “survival mode” this season. I pray that they find a healthy community and great resources to not only survive but to thrive this summer. Lord, remind me to always be generous and to provide others with refreshment and encouragement when I meet people in need. In Jesus’ name, amen.
6. Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. – 1 Timothy 6:17 NLT
Jesus, thank You for this season of warm days and fresh air. I need time to get out of the house, get outside, breathe fresh air, and experience Your magnificent creation that You have made. Help me keep my eyes on You throughout the summer and not focus on things such as money and materialistic possessions. Please help me to change and grow, to become more like You. Thank You for Your guidance and for building my faith so that I may follow You boldly in the days ahead. In Your name, amen.
7. “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” – Matthew 5:44 NLT
Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel like King David, surrounded by enemies who are trying to lead me away from You. Your Word reminds me to keep my eyes on Jesus and not be distracted by the works of darkness. You are my Salvation, my Hope, and my Light. I was created for You and I get the amazing privilege to love You in return. You tell me to love all people, even those that are against me. Fill me with Your love in a new way this season to share Your kindness and grace with those that are difficult to love. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
8. Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. – 1 Peter 3:8 NLT
Father, I pray that You would open doors of opportunity for my family to discover and enjoy the abundant life of Jesus in this season. Whether it be through travel, outdoor activities, or simply spending quality time together, may our hearts be filled with joy and excitement as we connect with You and each other. Grant us precious moments of laughter, connection, and shared memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Let us love each other just as Your Word says. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
