Father in Heaven,

Hear our prayer for Your children
During this summer season.
May summer not be a prolonged season of isolation,
But one of generous invitation to
Play dates and sleepovers,
Camping trips and day camps,
Pool parties and birthday parties.

Before you pulled us from the dust,
Before there was dust,
You spoke into the primordial stew,
And drew the waters back
To craft dry land.

Father in Heaven,
Thank You for places near and far
For us to explore and experience;
For creating a world overflowing with
History and humanity, cuisine and color
Unique to the landscapes and locations
We visit on vacation.

Thank You for the rhythm
Of rest, recreation, and re-entry.

I am carried gracefully
By these two wheels beneath me,
Through the day.

In the morning
I’m surrounded by people
Rushing in cars to their places.
I pray mercy will mark their day.

God of delight and wonder,

We lift our gratitude for the joy of winter play
for the rush of sleds speeding down slopes,
for snowballs launched in giddy delight,
for skates that glide and twirl on frozen ponds.

Father in Heaven,
Thank You for longer days;
When light arrives early, shines brightly,
And after amber sunsets, slowly leaves late.

May our playgrounds be
Places of exploration and connection,
Where both children and parents
Learn how to be good neighbors,
And where families find nearby friends.

May I run with consistency
Feeling the ground beneath me,
Hearing the sounds that surround me,
And the stillness that comes inside me,
From my body moving at Godspeed.

May our hearts be wise,
Help us number our summers
With our parents and our children,
Our spouses and our siblings,

May our sidewalks be
Places where we return
To moving at Godspeed,
Walking at a pace