My seven-year-old son with level 3 autism doesn’t know many words, but his favorite word is “school” and we hear it at least once an hour all day long, even when he’s out for summer break. It isn’t his favorite time of year, which makes it hard on the entire family. As we move through the summer, I’ve been whispering lots of prayers for our family and for your family too. Praying you find strength in them today.
For schedule-driven kids who get peace from familiarity and feel anxiety in the chaos, we pray for comfort.
For parents trying to fill the wide-open days with activities that don’t need to be plugged in to the wall, we pray for opportunities.
For typical siblings who have to adjust their plans around the extra needs of their brothers and sisters, we pray for patience.
… you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. Psalm 63:7
For those transitioning to new therapies, new doctors, new caretakers, new babysitters, new churches, and new schools, we pray for wisdom and trust in God’s good plans for them.
For those traveling and going on adventures, we pray for grace and a spirit of helpfulness from others.
For those who feel they are missing out, for those looking at friends’ vacation pictures and feeling jealous, for those saying no to invitations to picnics and beach trips because it’s just too much trouble, for those feeling trapped by the four walls of their houses, we pray for contentment.
For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. Psalm 92:4
For days that start too early and last too long, we pray for faithfulness.
For those running on empty, we pray they find the strength that comes from abiding in You.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2
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Every. Single. Sentence. They all apply to me, my family, and summer. Thank you for this. I think I will print it out and put it on my fridge because I am sure I will need to read it more than just today.
You have looked into my heart and captured my sentiments in the most beautiful way. I love this site because here, the very essence of my family’s journey is truly understood. God shows me so much love through your writing. Thanks for the encouragement. God bless you.
Thank you so much. I so much need this today (and every summer for the past 12 years!)
This is beautiful. Thank you for these beautiful words and for encouragement. These early days of summer have been hard and I’ve felt at the end of my rope several times. Blessings back to you!
Wow! Thank you for your prayer. I was feeling lonely, jealous, down, frustrated, etc.. I was especially feeling alone in the journey. I was trying to find God and just didn’t seem able to. He is here.
Lorraine
You’ve perfectly put into words that unsettled feeling I always get at this time of year. Thank you for these prayers. We all need strength and grace for each day as we adjust to new routines and challenges.
By the way, I just love that last photo of the boy doing the puzzles — it reminds me so much of my guy, who is 12 and an absolute fanatic about jigsaw puzzles. Those little zippered pouches also look like an excellent possibility for transporting the MANY puzzles he’s going to need to bring when we go on vacation in August …
Thank you for this prayer…really. We are in the middle of packing for a move and I can tell my daughter with special needs is unsettled. Plus school is on vacation, so the schedule is off. I truly appreciate the prayers of the typical siblings – oh, that they would have patience with their sister; and that I would be understanding and patient with them. Transition is never easy…on anyone.