Summer break is a time filled with expectation! We are throwing off the routine, skipping some of our typical daily grind, hoping to find some restful moments as the sun warms our souls. We’ve got the vacation on the calendar, kids all home from school, and the world of possibilities lies ahead.
But there is also the unnerving chaos that accompanies our disrupted routines. We face new challenges as we try to be productive and get our kids to camps, vacation Bible school, playdates, and more. We also face new risks as we travel, try new things, and spend time at the water. If we aren't careful, this season set aside for memories, rest, and joy can turn into more of a grind. Leaving us more exhausted than before the season began!
As we embrace the summer, let’s remember that God is with you in this season, no matter if you are feeling all the summer vibes. He offers grace when we lose our temper with our suddenly chronically bored kids and inspires wonder as you visit the ocean and soak in the beauty of the crashing waves. He is with us through it all. He is inviting you to see these upcoming months as a chance to rest in his safe hands, find joy in your life and salvation, and restore your peace as you slow down and let your mind focus on God’s way.
Here are some prayers for the beautiful summer months ahead:
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Mario Arango
1. A Prayer For Rest
And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” - Exodus 33:14
Father,
My soul is weary. The winter was long and dark. The spring was busy and exhausting. As we enter a new season, I ask for your rest.
Help me slow down. Enjoy long evening walks, neighborhood cookouts, extended bike rides, deep talks with friends, the happiness of splashing in the pool or sitting in the sun reading a book, time spent exploring new places, breaks from work, and time with all my kids home from school. Take extra time to be with and better love my spouse. Give me eyes to see the opportunities you are giving me to rest.
Give my soul the chance to delight in you and the world you have created. As I spend time outdoors, remind my soul that you are the great Creator. You hold all things together and make beauty out of ashes. I can embrace rest because you are Great enough to handle the tough things we endure.
Help me lay down the heavy things I have been carrying all year. Be the salve to my weariness. As the sun warms the days, let us also somehow bring warmth and comfort to my soul. Use this season to fill my tank so I can enter the fall, which again will consist of deadlines and duties with strength and eagerness. Help me find joy in the simple moments of love you bring. Let gratitude grow in my heart so I can see this world through your eyes again.
Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Hamza Bounaim
2. A Prayer for Safety
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." -Psalm 4:8
"My God is my rock, I can run to him for safety. He is my shield and my saving strength, my defender and my place of safety." -2 Samuel 22:3
Father,
I thank you for being the ultimate protector. We can live in peace because we know you are with us. You have a plan for each of our days and will use whatever we endure for your glory.
As we spend the summer traveling, trying new things, sending kids off to new places, and living outside our norm, we ask that your protection rest on us. Keep our families safe. Protect our health. Guard our finances, don’t let the enemy steal the resources you’ve given us, and help us to use what we have wisely. Set angels around our homes, protecting our property from harm. Be with us as we travel, and set angels around our transportation, allowing us to arrive without harming ourselves or our belongings. Allow us to feel peace and enjoy your gracious protection this summer.
Guard our hearts from burnout. Protect our peace. Help us to show kindness and love to those we spend time with. When I am prone to worry, let me be reminded that you alone are my safe place, and I can trust you. Go before us this summer, creating fresh memories and joyful interactions. Help me to rest well knowing you are with me, you are taking care of me, and that you love me.
Amen.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Christopher Sardegna
3. A Prayer for Joy
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." - Romans 15:13
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." - Proverbs 17:22
Father,
Your joy is medicine to our bones! We have felt crushed at points, but your joy brings us back to life. You make our lives worth living and engaging with fully. Bring us your joy this summer.
Let us find joy as we take steps to grow closer to you. As we spend time in your word, in prayer, in worship, serving others, and gathering with the saints, renew the joy of our salvation. Let your Holy Spirit go with me this summer. Allow me the privilege of feeling and knowing your presence and peace.
Remind me that I can find joy in the small things and in serving others. All I do is for you, so it is my joy to give and serve others. As I plan meals, attend events, pack bags, patch up boo-boos, and everything in between, remind me that I can be happy in this because it’s all for your glory.
As we enter a new season, we lay down disappointment, frustration, exhaustion, bitterness, anxiety, hurt, fear, and the habits that have held us back. We embrace righteous living, intentional relationships, and boundaries that keep us safe from the evil one. We ask that your spirit guide us as we embrace the new and lay down the things that were holding us back.
Amen.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Dmytro Buianskyi
4. A Prayer for Peace
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." -Isaiah 26:3
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." -John 14:27
Father,
I thank you for being the giver of peace! The world brings us trouble, but you offer us peace and assurance that your goodness and mercy will follow us all day. As your child, we can access perfect peace beyond our understanding. This is the peace we embrace this summer.
As we go through the summer, please help us do all we can to cultivate peace in our minds and bodies. Show us how to move a little slower, give others the benefit of the doubt, and care for our bodies with movement and relaxation. Help us remember that our bodies feel at peace, which allows our souls to rest when we care for ourselves.
Please give us the wisdom to choose the activities, relationships, and boundaries we need to experience peace. Let the things we say yes to add peace and joy to our days. Please give us the strength to say no to the things or people that will bring chaos and anxiety.
Keep my mind on you. Focus my heart on Kingdom things, asking you to give us your sight so we can walk by faith. We love you, Lord, and are thankful for your gift of peace. We need it, and we need you!
Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Uwe Moser
Originally published Friday, 23 May 2025.