A Prayer for Fresh Wonder in the Days of Summer
By Gem Fadling
Bible Verse:
“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” - Matthew 18:2-5
Listen or Read Below:
I grew up on a small homestead in rural Washington state. Summers on our six acres were a child’s delight. As this was decades ago, long before the information age kicked in, my parents ensured I had lots of options for outdoor entertainment. My dad crafted swings that hung from willow and apple trees. I enjoyed the hula hoop, the pogo stick, roller skates, and my bike. And even when I wasn't twirling, jumping, rolling or riding, sometimes I would simply lie in the grass and watch a bumblebee land on a yellow dandelion. But one of my favorite things to do was to ride my horse bareback. About four acres of our property was pasture, and I had the full run of it. I would climb the fence, get on, hold onto her mane, gently kick her side, and take off. We walked, trotted and galloped all around field.
As I reminisce, I would definitely describe my childhood playful posture as fresh wonder. Play came naturally back then. Curiosity and wonder flourished in a world full of nature. Unfortunately, as we grow older and the cares of this world begin to pile on, it's easy to lose track of our playful inner child. You may have your own childhood memories. So, right here, in the midst of summer, I encourage you to take some time to reminisce for a bit. See if you can find one really good carefree childhood memory, a time when you felt free, playful, and curious. Spend a little time with God in that memory, thanking him for the gift of that season of life.
Let's see if we can borrow a little bit of that innocence and some of the carefree nature of the best parts of childhood and bring it into our current summer days. Creativity, curiosity, wonder, play--these are all dynamics we could nurture even now. What might it look like to plan a day, or even a vacation, with this posture in mind? There’s a reason Jesus challenged his followers to become like little children--the humility of a child is good. And I don’t think it’s a stretch to add in that children bring a sense of fresh wonder. Jesus desires for us to have a sense of openness to his love and ways. He said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
What if that child was, in fact, ourselves? Borrowing from our childhood ways might be a way to enter in anew to Jesus’ love and care…
Let’s Pray:
Jesus, you welcomed little children. And you are welcoming me. I do want to engage the innocent, fresh wonder that used to be so easily accessible. Refresh that spirit within me. Surprise me in moments I would typically miss. Help me to see your creation with fresh eyes. Keep me from distraction so that I might open more fully to the goodness and grace of the life you have given me. Teach me how to play again and to embrace creativity and curiosity. Free me from that which holds me back or presses me down. I desire freedom in your presence and for fresh wonder to flow from within. Thank you. Amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/piola666
Gem Fadling is a founding partner of Unhurried Living, Inc., a non-profit that trains people to rest deeper, live fuller and lead better. She is a trained Spiritual Director and a Certified Life Coach who trains people at the intersection of spiritual leadership and soul care. Gem is the co-host of the Unhurried Living Podcast as well as the author of Hold That Thought and co-author of What Does Your Soul Love? Her work has appeared in Propel Women and Our Daily Bread. To connect with Gem and find resources for soul care and leadership, visit unhurriedliving.com or find her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Related Resource: How to Choose Your One Word for 2026
This month on the How to Study the Bible Podcast, we’re starting a new series called One Word 2026, and it’s meant to be a gentle but intentional way to reflect, respond, and reconnect with God as we begin the year. In this episode, I’m walking you through why I love taking the whole month of January to pause and listen — rather than rushing into resolutions or putting pressure on yourself to “get it all together” by January 1. We’re going to start with Philippians 1:3–11, where Paul reminds us that we can have real confidence because God is still working in us, and He’s not finished.
Then I’m going to share six words I’ve been praying over for our community — six spiritual intentions that I believe reflect the kind of growth God may be inviting us into this year. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you definitely don’t have to force it — but I hope that one of these words will resonate in your spirit and give you a steady anchor for 2026.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
