A Prayer to Embrace Rest and Relaxation Over Summer Break
By Amanda Idleman
Bible Reading:
And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. - Mark 6:31
Read or Listen Below:
Summer conjures images of fresh fruity drinks, bathing suits, easy-reading books, and fresh views. Every summer, we hope for the chance to take a pause, enjoy the sunshine, and live a little! Many of us are eagerly counting down the days until those summer days come around again. Yet, many times, reality does not match the daydream. If you are a parent, summer often feels like extra work as everyone is taking a break from the “normal” school-year routine. It can require extra planning and more meals made at home, and that long-awaited summer vacation often requires more parental effort than we’d hoped for.
For others, the idea of a vacation may not be in the cards. Life is expensive, work is hard to break away from, and there may be no prospect of a new scenic view to digest with your favorite book in hand. We can feel discouraged that the desired summer getaway isn’t in the cards, leaving us more weary over the hot months than relaxed. The good news is that with Jesus, rest does not have to come with a big price tag. He understands that our children can wear us down even as we love them so much. All we need to find some rest and relaxation this Summer is a change in mindset and a little intentionality.
When we come to Jesus and request that he lift the burden we are carrying, he is faithful to do just that. When we get out, even just into our backyards, to enjoy the sunshine, birds chirping, and flowers growing, we can find rest. Remember, even Jesus got away for some R & R, and his disciples were instructed to do the same. We are not created to be on the go endlessly. We need some slower days, quiet mornings, and long walks to let go of the weariness that is so common to our human condition.
As you plan your summer, even if it’s not all you dreamed of, make space for rest and relaxation. Stay home one day when you planned to go out. Take a hike and invite God to show you his glory along the way. Get up before the kids to enjoy the peace of a quiet house before summertime chaos ensues. These practices are not selfish. When we rest, we are being obedient to God’s call to honor our mind, bodies, and souls’ limitations. To live well, we have to give up some of our time for the sake of enjoyment. God calls us to take in his beauty and embrace the stillness. There, he speaks, restores our needed patience, or reveals something new about his character. Take time to meet Jesus this summer as you embrace rest and relaxation.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Jesus, We thank you for making us on purpose.
You know us so well and desire that we can thrive in the skin we’ve been given. This is why you invite us to rest. You know that we burn out when we are endlessly on the go. You invite us to pause and soak in your world through intentional moments of rest. Allow me to have moments of rest and relaxation. If it is on a beautiful vacation, let me soak it in with deep gratitude. Or if it’s just early mornings alone in the quiet before my kids usher noise into our home, let me savor the stillness. Reveal more of who you are to me in these relaxing moments. Please open my eyes to your creativity and kindness. Silence the lies telling me that I'm wasting time if I’m not doing something. You do not measure us by our productivity levels. Let us find rest in knowing that slow moments are a way we honor you. Please help us find joy this summer.
Give us eyes to see you and be more present in our circumstances. Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Imgorthand
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!
