Sunburn and the Sacred: Keeping Cool with Christ in the Summer Heat

Summer! I remember summers as a kid, heading out on my bike in the morning and not coming home until dinner time.  I’d come in all hot and sweaty, eat a quick dinner, then back outside to catch lightning bugs.  Those were the days!  When I think of summer, I think of slower pace, backyard barbeques, vacations, watermelon, pool time, flip flops, and ice cream. 

Summer often brings a welcome change of pace from our usual routines but our connection with God is something that stays with us, no matter the season. He’s the source of every blessing, in summer and all year long. So how do we stay close to Him in the dog days of summer? It’s simpler than we think. Even small moments of prayer or gratitude can open our hearts to His presence in the everyday.  The key is in our relationship with God. 

The Forms and Expressions of Catholic Prayer Explained: How to Deepen Your Relationship with God

Prayer is the vital and personal relationship with the living God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church offers a helpful structure by identifying five forms of prayer and three expressions through which we live out our communion with God. 

The Five Forms of Prayer (CCC 2626–2643) 

1. Blessing and Adoration In blessing, we respond to God’s gifts with gratitude and praise. Adoration is the humble acknowledgment that we are creatures before our Creator, loving Him for who He is. 

   Blessing and adoration means recognizing God as the source of all life and responding with awe, love, and reverence. We can do this by acknowledging God when we see a sunset or receive good news.  Make a visit in church, better yet during exposition of the blessed sacrament.  Bless others:  A simple “God bless you” to family, friends or even strangers.  Blessing and adoration are less about doing and more about being.  Being present to God, recognizing His greatness, and letting your heart respond with love. 

2. Petition The most common form of prayer, petition, expresses our needs and dependence on God. It includes asking for forgiveness, help, strength, and every good thing. I think we’re all familiar with prayers of petition.  I’m running late, “Lord, please let me hit all green lights.”  My car won’t start, “Lord, please don’t let this be too expensive.”  My anxiety is getting the best of me, “Lord, help me to feel your peace.”  I say something that’s hurtful, “Lord, please forgive me.” Living out prayers of petition is about relationship.  It’s not a wish list, but a conversation rooted in faith, hope, and trust. 

3. Intercession This is prayer on behalf of others. Like Christ, who intercedes for us, we join in praying for the needs of the Church, the world, and individuals. We do this when we pray for our parents, our children, or our neighbors.  We do this when we say a quick prayer when an ambulance passes with lights and sirens.  We do this when we hear of a sick child.  When I think of prayers of intercession I am reminded of St. Monica who prayed for her son, St. Augustine for seventeen years, begging for his conversion.  How many of us love someone who is away from Christ and His church?  Prayers of intercession are how we carry one another spiritually. They unite us in love and trust that God is always listening and always near. 

4. Thanksgiving We give thanks to God for all His blessings, recognizing His hand in our lives and in creation. Every event and gift becomes an opportunity to offer gratitude. Thanksgiving is not just about the holiday.  We can thank God everyday for both big and small blessings: your morning coffee, a safe drive, a kind word, or simply a new day. Keep a gratitude journal.  I’ve done this off and on for many years.  I simply write down five things for which I’m grateful at the end of each day.  A common prayer of thanksgiving is the prayer before meals. Thanksgiving turns everyday life into prayer. It shifts our focus from what we lack to the grace we've already received. 

5. Praise Distinct from thanksgiving, praise exalts God not just for what He does, but for who He is:  goodness, love, mercy, and truth. It is selfless and joyful, often expressed in song. Sing or listen to praise music.  St. Agustine said, “He who sings prays twice.”  The Psalms are full of praise.  Let them guide your prayers of praise.  Living out praise shifts the focus from ourselves to God. It fills the heart with joy, reminds us of God’s greatness, and draws us closer to Him simply because He is worthy.

   

   
   

The Three Expressions of Prayer (CCC 2700–2724) 

1. Vocal Prayer Spoken aloud or silently, vocal prayer uses words to express our hearts to God.  

   Pray traditional prayers like the Our Father, Hail Mary, or Glory Be.  Speak to God in your own words throughout the day thanking, asking, or simply talking to Him. 

2. Meditation Meditation engages our thoughts, imagination, and emotions to deepen our understanding of God’s Word or mysteries. It seeks to move us from the mind to the heart. 

   Read a passage from Scripture slowly and reflect on what God is saying to you. Use spiritual books, icons, or the Rosary to guide your focus. Ask questions in prayer: “Lord, what are You teaching me?” 

3. Contemplative Prayer Also known as “silent love,” contemplation is a simple, intimate gaze upon God. It is a gift of communion and rests in God’s presence beyond words or images. Spend quiet time with God, no agenda, just being with Him. Sit before the Blessed Sacrament and silently offer your heart.  Repeat a simple phrase like “Jesus, I trust in You” to still your mind. 

Keep Your Prayer Life Strong All Summer Long

These forms and expressions of prayer are not separate compartments but woven together in a life that stays rooted in God, through every season, even summer. As routines shift and days slow down, prayer remains our steady rhythm. It helps us speak to God, listen for His voice, and grow in holiness, wherever we are. In the warmth and wonder of summer, may we draw near to the One who never takes a break from loving us.