Morning prayers to find joy on a long summer day
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading:
“You are all children of light, and children of that day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness” – 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Listen or read:
Many of us love long summer days as there is nothing like these extra sunlight days that bring in extended sunlight that brings time, days, weeks and brightness to our daily lives. Whether on vacation or working daily or doing errands, we can breathe in the sweet summer air and soak in the gorgeous sunlight. As a child growing up in Midwest America, long summer days seemed to last forever. Spend time with friends, get behind, play outdoor games with neighbors, eat fresh summer fruits and vegetables, watermelon, strawberries, cherry, tomatoes, corn on the cobbs, and more. But they appear shorter than our time as a family living in the land of the Midnight Sun in Alaska. There, I enjoyed an Alaskan summer day with long sunlight for 18-21 hours.
Surprisingly, we weren’t tired, but it doesn’t seem like the days are long, even if we run for a few months with a few hours of sleep every day. Nothing compares to a particularly long dog day in the summer. It’s filled with warm temperatures and sunlight, offering what looks like an unstoppable time to soak in the warmth of the sun and summer.
Child of Light
As Christians, we called us light in this world, so it’s no wonder we are particularly attracted to sunlight and love it. “You were once dark, but now you are mostly light, and you live as a child of light” (Ephesians 5:8). As 1 Peter 2:9 explains to us, “But you may declare his praises for the chosen people, the royal priesthood, the holy nation, the special property of God, and you may declare his praise for calling you to His wonderful light.”
While Jesus lived on Earth, he was Light, and we are here called Light on Earth until he returns again. When he finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them” (John 12:36). As 2 Corinthians 4:6 explains, “For God who said, “Let the light shine out of the darkness,” let His light shine in our hearts, and give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory, as shown in the face of Christ. “Our faces are also asked by God to show the light of God to those around us, like the face of Christ, whether we know it or not. As we step into the darkness, we bring His light.
I’m looking towards the light of heaven
As children of light called by God, it is no wonder we are drawn to how spending time in the light and sunlight of our long summer days brings joy to our hearts. Light, as we know, is a prelude to our heavenly house, where we will never face darkness again, living eternally in the light of God. Revelation 21:23 describes the glorious environment that awaits everyone who believes and accepts God’s Lamb as a comfortable Savior in the darkness. “Cities do not need to make the sun or moon shine, for God’s glory gives it to the light, and the lamb is its lamp.”
Let’s pray:
Dear Father,
Fill us now on these long summer mornings with your joy, as you are calling us a child of light. Lord, help us. Absorb, absorb and bathe your light when you enjoy the light and warmth of summer. Let Your Light shine brightly in us and through us for Your Glory. That way others will attract you. Lead us to do what pleases you and fulfill your will here. Let our faces shine with the light of God’s knowledge, just as Jesus does the people around us see the light that seeks after you after you.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GetTyimages/Janina Steinmetz
Lynette Kittle is married to four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships and life. Her writings have been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, Kirkcameron.com, ungrind.org, startmarriageright.com and more. She holds a Masters degree in Communications from Regent University and is an associate producer at Soul Check TV.
Pray through Psalm 15: Prayer to those who never shake up
Are you tired of being spiritually exhausted? You’ve come to the right place! Join us in the age of prayer, reflection and meditation. Put your day’s luggage behind you, refresh, update, and reconnect with God. Who is the one who never shakes you up? Explore poem sal 15 with today’s 10 minutes of devotion. If you like what you hear, you won’t miss an episode.
Because you prayed, do you need someone to pray for you? Click the button below
