Farewell to summer and welcoming fall: a prayer of gratitude

Jesus, thank you for inviting us to play outside with you this summer. You laughed with us as we careened behind the boat in a giant inflatable, weaving in and out of the wake. Your glory was seen as we took in numerous sunsets when the long days finally gave way to night. Thank you for neighbors to enjoy by the pool and for friends who paddle-board with you on a whim. God, thank you for a community of Jesus followers who gathered their families at camp for zip-lining and rock climbing, silly songs and minute-to-win-it, water slides and hikes. Who slept poorly but knew the joy of making memories outweighed their discomfort. Thank you for the summer days that felt slow and long. Thank you now for fall days that seem quick and short.

Father, thank you for all the ways we witness your artistry with the arrival of fall. You are the original Artist, the creator of all beauty. Thank you for repainting the canvas of our yards, streets and parks. For taking the base of green and adding to it bold reds, pinks, burnt oranges, browns and soft yellows. Slow us down, capture our attention by your artwork and help us return to you with thankful hearts.

Jesus, we welcome the change of the season. With arms outstretched and hands turned over, we welcome all that you have for us this season. Help us to rise out of bed to meet with you. Even when the warmth of our covers and the lingering darkness tempts us to stay. Give us joy as we return to the familiar rhythms of work and school and sports schedules. Sustain us with your grace when the demands of the day seem higher than we have capacity for. As we find ourselves indoors earlier in the evening, stir our hearts, minds and hands to create with you. We long to be creators instead of consumers of mindless entertainment.

As the first fires are ignited in our living rooms, blow on the embers of our heart once again. Let us burn with love for you. Let us carry the flames of your upside-down Kingdom with us to all the places that we live, work and play this next season. Kindle our hearts with a greater love for the people who will be around this season. For the parents of our kids friends, new [patients, clients, students, families, business partners] we will serve, the small group or the league we participate in each week, co-workers or family members who we struggle to relate to. Each and every one of them is made in your image, your Imago Dei. May they experience the warmth of your love through us.

As we watch the the scenery transform out our windows, turn our thoughts to what you might be asking of us this season. What kind of change would you require so we might become more like you, Jesus? Prompt us by your Spirit to lay down the idol we are chasing, the damaging habit that is forming, or the disappointment that has been lingering. Give us the wisdom to pick up the load that is lighter, the daily practices that shape us well, and the hope that comes with trusting fully in You.

What needs to fall to the ground and be buried in the dirt? We anticipate that something new would rise from it next spring. You’re so kind to reveal to us what we need to let go of and what to hold tighter to when we ask you. We trust that you are at work under the surface of our lives in this season.

You are the One we cling to in every season. Whatever pain or sorrow, joy or celebration comes in the months ahead, we know that you are for us. You are with us. You have never left us. Your steadfast love endures forever.