This summer, we’re sharing prayers for and by Christian scholars in our network. We hope this is a chance for readers to connect with each other and with God, to be encouraged, and to pray together. May this series remind us of how the church is connected across time and space in the love of Jesus Christ our Lord. Today we welcome back ESN author Kelly Seaton. You may enjoy browsing her other work for Emerging Scholars Network, which includes the Finding a Postdoc in the Sciences series and three posts in Navigating Beginnings / Scholar’s Compass. Note: Finding a Postdoc in the Sciences: Nailing the Interview is the ESN Blog’s most visited post of all time. To God be the glory!
Father God,
Over these summer months, may our trust in you be strengthened and renewed, as we take time to recharge from our normal rhythms.
Please provide renewal and refreshment for those weary from a busy semester, from manuscript and grant writing, or a job search. May we remember that you are our portion, and find hope as we daily spend time with you.
In the middle of personal, professional, or political turmoil and uncertainty, may we call to mind your great and steadfast love for us. Thank you for your mercies that are new every morning, regardless of our efforts, our successes and failures, or the opinions of others.
May this summer be a time of renewed creativity and of increased connection with you and with others. May our families and communities flourish and grow, and be light and hope to those around us. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and loving hearts to engage with those who need an encouraging word or a listening ear.
May our soul’s longings be filled with hope in you, our portion and our provider; the One who gives us hope.
As we prepare and look forward to a new semester, may our minds be fixed on you and your work in us and through us. We ask that scholarly work and activities be filled with your joy and your presence, that you would give us insight and wisdom as we write, as we teach, and as we mentor others.
May our lives reflect the grace, hope and peace found when we trust in you.
Amen.
Kelly Seaton lives in Durham, North Carolina (go Duke!), where she is an HIV vaccine researcher. She is a graduate of Messiah College and Penn State University-Hershey. Her cross-cultural experience includes studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, as well as traveling to Haiti and South Africa. She loves the movies Emma and The Shawshank Redemption. Outside of work, she loves hanging with friends, playing volleyball, and any and all outdoors. Her post Finding a Postdoc in the Sciences: Nailing the Interview is the most visited ESN blog post.