8 Prayers for Your Child’s Summer
Summer is a time for kids to be kids—to soak up the sunshine, scrape their knees while riding bicycles, and forget all about homework for a while.
This season is a time of great freedom and possibility, and every year, we take time to pray that our children will make the absolute most of it.
If you’ve established a habit of praying for your children throughout the school year, that doesn’t have to change just because summer break begins. You can simply shift the focus—from asking God to help them learn well in the classroom to praying they’ll savor the joys of summer while continuing to grow as an individual, a friend, a family member, and a follower of God.
Our hope is that these 8 Prayers for Your Child’s Summer will help you continue (or develop!) a rhythm of prayer for your children. Let’s pray for our children to enjoy a summer that’s happy, healthy, and full of moments that draw them closer to God and their family:
1. The Gift of Rest
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” – Isaiah 40:29
Lord,
As we crossed the finish line of this school year, we felt excited but exhausted too! After all the learning and working and go-go-going, our family is in deep need of rest. Lift the pressure to perform and produce. Set a softer pace that allows for connection with you and one another. Quiet our spirits so we can be attentive to your voice. Keep us content with simple joys as each day unfolds. Refresh our gratitude for our family and the blessings you pour into our home. May we grow in strength as we move through this summer with you.
Amen.
2. Safe & Secure
“For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling…” – Psalm 27:5
Lord,
This world holds many dangers for my child. I pray you will protect them from accidents, illness, and injury this summer. Guard them from those, whether in person or online, who would deny your truth and discourage their faith in Jesus. Shield them from anyone who would abuse or exploit their innocence. Spare them any loneliness or rejection that might plant seeds of doubt of their precious worth in your sight. Be my child’s mighty Guardian and peaceful shelter wherever they go.
Amen.
3. A Team Player
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…” – Philippians 2:3
Lord,
In our “me-first” culture, my child may be tempted to think only of themselves. This summer, put to rest their efforts to be the most popular or the one in charge. Keep them humble so they don’t crave attention, praise, and blessings for themselves alone. Teach my child to be a team player who finds joy in encouraging the strengths they see in others. Guard their heart from selfishness that makes people feel small. May my child love with the selfless love of Jesus.
Amen.
4. Our Family’s Faith
“Impress [these commandments] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:7
Lord,
This summer, fill our home with the truth of your Word. Give me strength to faithfully teach my child to follow you. Saturate our conversations with godly wisdom. Show us how to apply the Scriptures to our struggles and questions. Lead us to pray together for our needs, and to praise you for your goodness to our family. Create a lasting legacy of faith in our household so we love you, always.
Amen.
5. A Cheerful Heart
“May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.” – Psalm 68:3
Lord,
After the grind of a long school year, my child craves some fun! Yet while we enjoy the change in routine, no summer holds nonstop excitement or a “yes” to every desire. My child can easily lose sight of your goodness. Set them free from the habit of complaining or negative thinking. Give a cheerful outlook that’s happy in knowing You’re with them each day. Help my child to enjoy the love of our family, the talents they can develop, and the gifts you lavish on their life. Fill them with gratitude and praise for all you’ve done.
Amen.
6. Loving Others
“Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” – (Luke 6:31)
Lord,
In the togetherness of summer, our patience and love can be tested in a whole new way. My child can become so focused on pleasing themselves that they forget to care for others. Let them understand the impact of their words and actions. Help them to grow in thoughtfulness and respect in our home and among friends. Enable my child to be kind and helpful, ready to share and take turns. Teach them to play fair—able to win or lose with a cheerful attitude. Show them the truth of your promise that the more we give, the more joy we receive. Fill my child with your love.
Amen.
7. Good Judgment
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” – Proverbs 14:15
Lord,
Summer is the perfect time to chase adventures and let creativity shine. Yet my child needs wisdom to know what is true or false, sensible or foolish as they make their way through the days ahead. Protect them from following others into danger. Guard them from making impulsive choices that would harm their reputation or leave them with painful regrets. Shield my child from schemes that promise a blessing but lead to hardship and grief. Sharpen their vision to recognize darkness disguised as light. Lead my child in your truth every day.
Amen.
8. Facing the Future
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Lord,
My child needs courage to face the new school year ahead. Even now, give them your power to tackle each challenge without shrinking back. Strengthen their heart to love the lonely, the weak and the unpopular. Overcome their insecurities so they can boldly reach out to make friends and try new things. Give them a cooperative spirit that will take good advice and embrace learning. Keep distraction and fatigue from hindering my child’s diligence and hard work. Make them strong by your Spirit to accomplish whatever you ask.
Amen.
As parents, prayer is one of the best ways we can protect and nurture our children’s hearts. We feel a holy responsibility to guide, lead, and support our kids, and talking with God through prayer is a meaningful part of that as their mom and dad.
Summer break can shake up your family’s usual routine, making it easy to fall out of the rhythm of praying. However, our hope is that these prayers have offered you encouragement and inspiration to continue drawing near to God and keeping prayer at the heart of your parenting, even in the midst of a busy, joy-filled season.
If you are looking for even more resources that will help you continue a habit of prayer all summer long and even into the school year, be sure to check out our Powerful Prayers for Your Son and Daughter books.
