Summer Prayers for Special-Needs Families

My seven-year-old son with level 3 autism doesn't know many words, but his favorite word is "school" and we hear it at least once an hour all day long, even when he's out for summer break. It isn't his favorite time of year, which makes it hard on the entire family. As we move through June, I've been whispering lots of prayers for our family and for your family too. Praying you find strength in them today.

For schedule-driven kids who get peace from familiarity and feel anxiety in the chaos, we pray for comfort.

For parents trying to fill the wide-open days with activities that don't need to be plugged in to the wall, we pray for opportunities.

For typical siblings who have to adjust their plans around the extra needs of their brothers and sisters, we pray for patience.

... you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. Psalm 63:7

For those transitioning to new therapies, new doctors, new caretakers, new babysitters, new churches, and new schools, we pray for wisdom and trust in God's good plans for them.

For those traveling and going on adventures, we pray for grace and a spirit of helpfulness from others.

For those who feel they are missing out, for those looking at friends' vacation pictures and feeling jealous, for those saying no to invitations to picnics and beach trips because it's just too much trouble, for those feeling trapped by the four walls of their houses, we pray for contentment.

For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. Psalm 92:4

For husbands and wives who are using up all their energy and patience on the kids and running out for each other, we pray for peace.

For days that start too early and last too long, we pray for faithfulness.

For those running on empty, we pray they find the strength that comes from abiding in You.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2