Prayer to accept rest and relaxation during summer breaks
Amanda Idolman
Bible Reading:
And he said to them, “Come on your own a desolate place and rest for a while.” There were many people coming and going, and they didn’t even have the leisure time to eat. – Mark 6:31
Read or listen to the following:
Summer reminds us of fresh fruity drinks, swimsuits, easy-to-read books and images of fresh scenery. Every summer we pause, enjoy the sunshine and hope for a chance to live a little! Many of us are counting down the days diligently until those summer days come again. However, in many cases, reality does not match fantasy. If you’re a parent, the summer often feels like an extra work, as you take a break from your “regular” grade routine. Additional home-made plans and meals may be required, and the much-anticipated summer vacation often requires more parental effort than we had hoped for.
For others, the idea of a holiday may not be included in the card. Life is expensive, work is hard to get away from, and you may not have the prospect of a new scenic view to digest with your favorite book in hand. You can discourage the desired summer vacation not included on the card and feel tired of a hot month than relaxing. The good news is, together with Jesus, rest doesn’t need to bear a big price tag. He understands that our children can tire us because we love them so much. All you need to find rest and relaxation this summer is a change in mindset and a bit of intentionality.
When we come to Jesus and demand that he release the burden we carry, he is faithful to do just that. Even if you go out into the backyard, you can find rest as you go out to enjoy the sunshine, birds’ crying and flowers. Don’t forget that even Jesus ran away for some R&R, and his disciples were instructed to do the same. We are not created to drive infinitely. To let go of the fatigue that is very common to our human condition, some late days, quiet mornings, and long walks are necessary.
When you plan your summer, create space for rest and relaxation, even if you’re not dreaming about it. I was planning to stay home someday and go out. Hike, invite God to show him the glory of God along the way. Stand up in front of the children and enjoy the peace of the quiet home before the summer turmoil continues. These practices are not selfish. When we rest, we are to follow God’s call to honor the limitations of our mind, body and soul. To live well, you have to give up some of your time for fun. God calls us to incorporate His beauty and accept His tranquility. There he talks, restores the patience he needs, and reveals new things about his character. Take your time to meet Jesus this summer as you embrace rest and relaxation.
Let’s pray:
Dear Jesus, thank you for making us purposefully.
You know us well and hope that we can thrive with the skin we are given. This is why you invite us to rest. You know we burn endlessly on the go. You invite us to pause and immerse ourselves in your world through a moment of deliberate rest. Let them have moments of rest and relaxation. If it’s on a beautiful holiday, I’ll soak it with deep gratitude. Or, if the kids only have a quiet early morning before they can greet the noise in our homes, enjoy the tranquility. In these relaxing moments, make sure you reveal more who you are to me. Keep an eye on your creativity and kindness. If I’m not doing anything, shut up the lie that says I’m wasting my time. You don’t measure us at our productivity level. Knowing that late moments are the way we honor you, we find a rest. Help us find joy this summer.
Please turn to us to see you and be more present in our situation. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©getTyimages/imgorthand
Amanda Idolman is a writer who is passionate about encouraging others to live happily. She writes my daily biblical verse prayers and podcasts, dedication of Cross Walk Couples’ dedication app. She recently published Devotion and Solace. Find out more about Amanda on her Facebook page or follow her on Instagram.
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