Day 21: Prayer for Rest and Renewal

Reflection: Even children need rest and renewal. In our fast-paced world, many children are overwhelmed by school, activities, family responsibilities, and stress. Some children living in poverty or dangerous situations never experience true rest because they're constantly worried about survival.

When we pray for rest and renewal, we're asking God to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual rest for children who are weary. We're interceding for children who lie awake at night worrying, for those who carry adult responsibilities on their young shoulders and for those who have forgotten how to simply be children. We're also praying for families and communities that prioritize rest and renewal as essential for healthy development. God's invitation to rest is both a commandment and a gift. He knows we need times of refreshing to maintain our physical, emotional and spiritual health. Rest is not laziness, it's restoration that prepares us for service.

Today, let us pray for children who need rest, for families who struggle to find time for renewal, and for communities that create safe spaces for children to play and relax. May we help children learn the value of rest and renewal.