This is my favorite sunset prayer of the year. Let’s pray into summer.
On June 2, as the sun sets around 8:46 p.m., from wherever you are, with whoever wants to join you, let’s pray into all the ways God can reach us and restore us when the days are longer and warmer and so full of life.
Let’s begin by giving thanks for the school year that is ending and for all those who have been working to grow and encourage and nurture our children. Lord, bless and restore the educators, administrators, support staff, and all who work before school, during school, and after school to care for children.
Let’s pray for parents, grandparents, step-parents, foster parents, and others who managed the school year and now face a season of new challenges and opportunities.
Let’s pray for the children. Lord, let them see you in new places. Let them see you in camps and vacation Bible schools, in backyards and on ballfields, in the pools and in the parks. Let’s pray for the new friendships that grow between campers and teammates, in the water and on the playgrounds.
Let’s pray for people seeking God through travel. Lord, protect and provide for them.
Let’s pray for people seeking God in lawns and gardens, on hiking and biking trails, on porches and patios and at poolside.
Let’s pray into Pride month. Lord, help us to see each other and hear each other and value each other with the love you shared with all of us.
Let’s pray for youth moving into summer jobs and internships. Let’s pray for graduates moving toward new opportunities. Lord, share your Light with them.
Let’s pray for church picnics and family reunions and weddings and block parties and all the places family and friends gather.
Lord, let us feel your presence in new ways. Amen.