Can you believe we’re nearing the end of summer months already? Perhaps you and your family have spent the past several weeks hanging at the beach or tanning by the pool, and you’re totally chill.
But many kids (and their parents) are experiencing the “mid-way moodiness” that comes about this time of summer.
They’ve gone to visit Grandma.
They’ve played in the water.
They’ve taken some road trips.
Now, everyone is wondering how to occupy their time for another month until school starts back.
The kids are beyond bored and you’re tired of entertaining them!
It seems like everyone’s attitude is quickly rising as hot as the blazing sun! You need a fix for that—ASAP. So, what can you do? Pray!
If you’ve never tried praying to God when you’re at the end of your rope, you’re in for a cool and refreshing change of pace. And we can all use that in mid-July! Any time I’ve allowed circumstances to get me worked up, worried, or wounded in some way—I find respite from it all when I look more to the Lord than to my own situation.
You may wonder how that can work—for prayer to change our thinking or even the context of our life. Actually, the Bible is packed full of scriptures that verify the power of prayer! There are far too many to list here, but three categories of powerful prayer pluses come to mind.
Prayer can bring about:
Peace
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7
Comfort
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ~Psalm 46:1
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, or his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ~Lamentations 3:22-23
Guidance
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. ~Psalm 32:8
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. ~Proverbs 3:5-6
Prayer is simply communicating with God about the things on your heart. Since God is omniscient (all-knowing), He already knows what’s on your mind. But by taking time to stop and talk with Him through prayer, you’re showing interest in growing that relationship. Just like talking to your best friend strengthens the bond between the two of you—the same method applies with God.
Want to amp up your relationship with God even more?
When you pray, keep track of your requests, concerns, and items of thankfulness by writing them in a journal or on some type of list. 
Make two sections: prayer requests and prayers answered. Once you begin tracking God’s perfect way and timing of your prayers, you’ll be excited to “meet up” with God on a very regular basis to see how He is speaking into your life.
Cool your ‘tude this summer—start praying!