Prayers for the summer season

By Father Michael Kwatera

Summer is a busy time of comings and goings, which may be why I didn’t receive a question for this column. So in the spirit of summer travel and activities I offer you some timely prayers.

 

 

 

 

Going Fishing

Holy God, maker of the world,
praise be yours for swimming things!
You have given us many lakes and rivers
and the fish they contain.
Bless us on this fishing trip.
Protect us from the dangers of wind and rain
and from every accident,
and give us a bountiful catch.
May Jesus, who calmed the storm,
bring us all safely
to the shore of light and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Going on Vacation

Lord, in our work and play
we know your goodness and love.
Bless us with joy
as we set out for our days of vacation.
Let them bring us rest and refreshment.
Protect us as we travel.
Give us gentle weather and peaceful times.
Be with us at the meals we enjoy
and in the activities we share.
In all we do,
let us grow in our love for you
and for each other.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Going to the Cabin

Lord, in your goodness
you have given us a cabin in the woods,
a special place to share as a family.
Guard us on our way there
and during our days there.
Keep us safe
as we enjoy the wonders of land and water.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Stoppingto Marvel at God’s Creation
Praise to you, Lord, for the great love
which brought our world to birth!
You have filled this place
with your beauty and glory.
As we thank you for the wonders of nature,
deepen our respect for your creation
and let us share your joy
in all that you have made.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Going to an Amusement Park

Lord,
you lift our spirits
higher than a roller coaster.
Your love is sweeter to our taste
than cotton candy.
Protect us as we set out
for a day of fun and games.
Keep us safe on the rides
and in all we do.
After this happy time together,
bring us home safely.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Goingto Summer Camp
God of heaven and earth,
praise be yours for the wonderful world
that you have made for us. Bless ______
as he/she enjoys your creation
during his/her days at camp.
Show his/her your love
in good friends,
new experiences,
gentle weather,
and the beauty of nature.
Protect the campers
from all harm and danger
by day and night,
and bring them home safely.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Going to a Picnic or Barbecue

Lord,
you give food to all living things.
Be with us today
as we set out to enjoy a (picnic) (barbecue).
Bless us and the food we will share
in your good and beautiful world.
Protect us from all harm
and bring us back safely to our home.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Goingto a Family Gatheringor Reunion
God of love, we give you praise and glory.
Thank you for making us a family,
brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.
Be with us in times of joy and sorrow,
and help us in all our needs.
Protect us now
as we travel to our family (gathering) (reunion).
Let our celebration
give us the happiness that Jesus knew
in the company of his family and friends.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

These prayers and others like them are included in my book “Prayers on Wheels,” which is available from Liturgy Training Publications in Chicago (orders@ltp.org; phone: 1-800-933-1800; $9.95).

When I served as pastor in St. Martin, Minnesota, I observed lots of bike-riding there during the summer months. Here’s a prayer of blessing for new bicycles and old ones:

Let us pray.
Generous God,
you are the source
of the good things we enjoy.
We ask you to bless this bicycle.
Keep its tires filled with air,
so that its wheels go round and round.
Bless __________ who rides this bicycle.
Do not let him/her ride faster
than his/her guardian angel can fly.
Protect __________ and all who travel by bicycle,
and keep them safe from all harm along the way.
We ask these blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The bicycle could be sprinkled with holy water.

Benedictine Father Michael Kwatera, a monk of St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, serves as the abbey’s director of liturgy. Please send your questions on liturgy to him at mkwatera@ csbsju.edu or at St. John’s Abbey, P.O. Box 2015, Collegeville, MN 56321-2015.

Author: The Visitor

The Visitor is the official newpaper for the Diocese of Saint Cloud.

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