A Prayer for the Weary Volunteer - Your Daily Prayer - August 7

A Prayer for the Weary Volunteer
By Rachel Britton

Bible Reading
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. - Galatians 6:9, NIV

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School is out. People head out of town. The church hallways become quieter as regular activities halt for the summer. Maybe a relaxing vacation is on the calendar—sitting by the pool or walking on the beach. A change of pace and a pause in our usual schedules is often just what we need. But sometimes it’s also a time when we realize just how active we have been, and that we are completely exhausted.

Perhaps staring at the fall calendar fills you with dread rather than joyful anticipation. The thought of serving or volunteering yet again brings a heavy weight. You may sit in a worship service or look in a Sunday School classroom with this thought going through your head: “I don't think I can do this again in September. I think I’m done.” Or maybe those thoughts are a silent plea in prayer.

The agricultural imagery of Galatians 6:9 helps us picture a farmer. He works hard during the springtime to plow and plant. Toiling all day and often into the night. In the heat of the summer, sometimes the hard work does not appear worthwhile. Perhaps the harvest will be ruined because of heavy rains or scorching sun. It is a time of waiting, but also of preparation.

Unlike the farmer who cannot guarantee his work will produce a good yield, the Bible reassures us that our “doing good” will “reap a harvest.”

Summer exhaustion isn't always a sign to quit. It can simply be a sign that you have poured out too much. Use this season God has given you to be replenished so you can discern clearly what to do in the future. And anticipate the harvest that is not our responsibility, but God’s to bring.

Let’s Pray

Lord God, the sanctuary is quieter this month. The hallways are emptier. The schedules have slowed, and the rush of the ministry year has paused. But Lord, in the quiet of this summer season, the exhaustion in my own soul has finally caught up with me. I confess that as I look ahead to the fall, my heart feels heavy. The tank feels empty. I have poured out my time, my energy, and my heart to serve Your people. Right now, the whisper to simply walk away and stay on the sidelines speaks so loudly.

Today, I bring my exhaustion to You, asking You to fill me up again. I ask these summer weeks to be, not just a break from the schedule, but a holy rest for my soul. Breathe fresh life into my weary heart. Remind my heart of the promise in Galatians—that at the proper time, a harvest is coming if I do not give up. Help me to see this summer not as a barren desert, but as a season where You are at work. Let my service flow from Your abundance, not my depletion.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Mary Spickelmier

Rachel Britton is a British-born award-winning author and speaker. Her passion is to help others find comfort and confidence in their daily conversation with God. Her latest book, Pray Naturally: Finding Your Spiritual Confidence as a Woman Loved by God released with Our Daily Bread Publishing. She is the creator of the Amazon Alexa skill: “Alexa, say a prayer,” which offers a simple way for thousands to connect with God each day. Rachel is married with three adult children spread over too many time zones. Connect with Rachel on her blog rachelbritton.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

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