Summer Prayers

For many of us, the summer is a slower pace and a time to reflect on our relationship with God. We take vacations to places with scenic views and fun activities. So, I created ten fun summer prayers.

As I lay on the beach, I praise You for Your countless thoughts. "How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! "Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand--when I awake, I am still with you." Psalm 139:17-18

At the top of a ride at the county fair, I reach to meet with You. "I call to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.” Psalm 3:4

Like the electric lights in fireflies, cause me to ponder the mysteries of Your creation. "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” Job 11:7

Like the birds who sing to me, Lord, speak to me. "So Eli told Samuel, ‘Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.” 1 Samuel 3:9

As I fill my net with the fish I catch, fill me with Your Spirit. “Be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians 5:18

As I splash in the pool, I ask You refresh me. "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

When the kids at the lemonade stand fill my cup, please fill my spiritual cup with joy. "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

When I hear Your voice in the thunderstorm, help me not to fear. "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” Psalm 46:10

Like the crack of a bat in a ball game, I pray I will be alert to the enemy’s tactics. "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

In your bounty, in fields and gardens, I praise You for Your goodness. " I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

What summer activity brings a prayer to your mind?

What Could Prayer Do for Your Neighborhood?

David Fitch in his book, Seven Practices for the Church on Mission, wrote about eight people who felt called to pray for the Detroit Boulevard neighborhood in Sacramento. In 2010, it reigned as one of the most crime-ridden areas in Sacramento. Nearly every home was a place of peril.

The group of eight walked the streets and interceded for the presence of God to overcome forces of evil and harm, addiction, and strongholds of the enemy. Eventually the prayer warriors physically moved into the neighborhood and started Detroit Life Church. During 2013, the Sacramento Bee reported there were no murders, thefts, or sex crimes and only one assault in Detroit Boulevard.

What if you were to enlist a few friends to prayer walk the streets in your subdivision or neighborhood? Besides getting some exercise, maybe the number of divorces would drop. Rather than middle-schoolers vandalizing property, maybe a coach would step forward and start evening volleyball or basketball. What could prayer do for your neighborhood?