Autumn is a favorite time of year for many. It is marked by the vibrant colors of turning leaves, the abundance of apples, pumpkins, and flowers, and it prepares us for the long winter season to come. We find in God’s word stunning imagery and metaphors about this time of year, which give us much to reflect on and learn from. Here are some of these verses that allude to autumn that have inspired eight prayers for us to say this season.
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1. A Prayer to Thank God for Being with Us
“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22).
Gracious and loving Lord,
Thank you for the seasons we can count on, find routine in, and that will never cease while the earth remains. As we enter into autumn, when the cooler winds drift in and the days grow shorter, draw us closer to you. Let us feel your warm and loving presence. May we imagine ourselves in your arms, close to your heart, surrounded by your light, and find comfort in your consistency when the world around us seems to be constantly changing. Thank you for your lovingkindness that engulfs us and your light that drives the darkness away. We praise you for being a God who loves us and takes care of us. We are grateful you are with us in all circumstances and seasons.
Amen.
2. A Prayer for Times of Abundance
“When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands” (Deuteronomy 24:19).
Lord,
We praise you when the harvest is plenty. We thank you for the abundance and overflow of goodness and blessings you give us. How humbled we are at your favor in our lives. As we find ourselves in a season of richness, may you cause our hearts to remember others. As your word instructs us, guide us to be helpers to those in need, givers to those who have less, and generous with our time, talents, and resources. We want to be obedient and faithful to you by giving to others the overflow of what we have, so that you would bless the work of our hands. We ask to be cheerful givers and to be representatives of your love in this world.
Amen.
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3. A Prayer for Times of Change
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).
Merciful God,
We praise you because you know all things, see all things, and remember us. Thank you that we can depend on your presence with us in every season and situation, that each time has purpose and meaning. We are grateful that each season is orchestrated by you, even the harder ones. Help us to see your hand and guidance in our lives as we go through changes, the highs, and the lows. May we grow in trust and persevere in the valleys. How great you are, oh God, for being so intentional to care for us in every season. For even when things seem glum, your light continues to shine on us in mercy and grace.
Amen.
4. A Prayer for Strength
“He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame” (Proverbs 10:5).
Heavenly Father,
This time of year feels hard. Harsher weather rolls in, the days feel shorter with less light, and it seems that loss and tough changes are prevalent. Help us not to grow idle, or weary, or give up hope. Let us work hard to bear fruit and to bring glory to your kingdom. We ask for the strength and guidance to be diligent and good stewards of our time and resources. Let us not be like the son who sleeps during the harvest, but rather, we pray you would use us now, keeping our eyes open and alert to the work you have for us. Bless the fruit of our labor and help us to bring glory and honor to you in all we do.
Amen.
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5. A Prayer of Thanks for God’s Faithfulness
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
Faithful God,
We come to you with a thirst for your presence and real connection with you. This time of year the flowers do fade, the leaves do wither and die, and even the bright sun will shine less. But oh, we praise you, for your faithfulness. That your truth, that your good and honest words and promises will stand forever. Though the seasons change, we know you do not. We lift up our voices in gratitude for your righteousness that we can always depend on. We thank you for being our rock and firm foundation, and that your word is a lamp unto our feet. Give us hope this time of year and remind us that though the season is changing, and the unknown journey lies ahead, we can trust in your unfailing truth and presence.
Amen.
6. A Prayer for Courageous Outreach
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’” (Matthew 9:37-38).
Heavenly Father,
What an honor it is to know you, to follow you, and to be used as a vessel you work through. Empower us by your Spirit to do the necessary work for your kingdom; being sent as the workers into your harvest field. This time of year serves as a reminder that we not only harvest the fruits of the land, but also, for your kingdom, God. Embolden us to share the Gospel, to be a witness, to share our testimonies, and to encourage others to come to know you as their Lord and Savior. Let the words we say and the things we do be a witness to who you are. Send us out to fulfill the great commission with excitement and courage. Thank you, Father, for giving great meaning and purpose to our lives.
Amen.
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7. A Prayer for When We Are Tired
“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).
Good and gracious God,
You know what each of us is going through. You know our hardships, you know what we’re waiting for, you know what we are asking, and you know the good we do in our best efforts to be obedient and righteous. Help us not to become weary doing good, help us not to give up, so that we will reap the promised harvest for pursuing righteousness. We are so grateful that by your might all things are possible. Help us lead lives that are pure and holy, pleasing in your sight. We thank you for strength and wisdom each day to keep moving forward in hope and trust. This time of year teaches us that we will reap the harvest of our good efforts because you fulfill all your promises. Thank you, Lord, for being just and faithful.
Amen.
8. A Prayer to Wait Patiently
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:7-8).
Loving Lord,
This season reminds us to wait. To slow down and to wait for your good and perfect timing. Father, help us to wait. We do not want to rush into something that isn’t part of your plan. We don’t want to force open a door that you have closed, rather we desire to wait for your perfect will to unfold in our lives. This season reminds us that the wait will be worth it, and that the harvest will come. We lift our hearts in gratitude to you for guiding our steps, giving us wisdom, and helping us be disciplined and obedient to your ways. Thank you for your promises and the hope we have in your return. No matter what we face here, we know that you have prepared a place for us, Jesus. Help us to be patient now and patient for your return. We praise you, oh God, for your goodness and love. Amen.
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