October is a month of changing colors and fall in the Northern Hemisphere. The following prayers — October welcome prayer, October dinner grace, thanksgiving for fall beauty, and prayer to honor All Hallow's Eve — invite God to journey with a Christian family through the month of October.
October Welcome Prayer
The following prayer invites an individual or family to mark the beginning of October with God:
"God of time and timelessness, thank you for a new month, October. Please bless us in all that we do this month [one may insert significant activities occurring during October such as birthdays, children's concerts, tests, or projects at work.] As this month begins and continues, let us notice Your changing creation around us and rejoice in the goodness of Your world. Amen."
One might offer this prayer activity on the first day of the month to thank God for the passage of time and the new month. The prayer also offers the opportunity to reflect on October's significant events and prepare for them ahead of time.
October Dinner Grace
It's easy to get in a rut with grace at the dinner table or to forget about blessing food at all in the craziness of modern life. The following dinner grace offers a short, seasonal blessing for the busy family:
"God, now it's October. Thank you we're not eating clover. We love you, praise you, every day, way past when dinner's over. Amen."
The prayer is designed to rhyme and may be said by a child for a laugh.
Thanksgiving for October Beauty
For many, October is a month of changing colors, cooling temperatures, and autumn harvest. The following prayer gives God thanks for all the beauty of October and autumn:
"Loving God, thank you for the many gifts of October. [One may reflect on favorite October foods such as warm chili, a tree turning color, and new Jack-o’-lantern ready for Halloween, or others.] As we enjoy the beauty of Your world every day, let us daily celebrate signs of Your goodness and beauty, now and forever. Amen."
A family might offer this prayer after an autumn outing such as a nature walk or visit to the pumpkin farm so that children can reflect on all the fall beauty they experienced.
Prayer to Honor All Hallow's Eve, or the Eve of All Saint's Day, on October 31
All Saint's Day, November 1, is a day that believers honor all the saints, people who exemplify Christian virtues, in heaven and on earth.
Christians historically celebrated the Eve of All Saint's Day, known as All Hallow's Eve or later Halloween, with candles and prayers to honor the saints. The following prayer invites God to bless all who celebrate All Hallow's Eve as well as the saints who glorify God in heaven and on earth:
"God of heaven and earth, thank you for all Your saints who serve you and glorify Your name, especially [insert names of saints and other Christian friends and family if desired.] As we notice the celebrations around us, let us remember Halloween's basis in You, that we may celebrate Your goodness in the world, this day and always. Amen."
A family might light a candle and share this prayer together on Halloween to honor God and all the saints who have served God's church.
October is a month of beauty, cool weather, and many blessings from God. With prayer, a Christian can honor the passage of time this October and always.
For other seasonal prayers, Prayers for November: Blessing a November Birthday, Grace for Thanksgiving Dinner and More may be of interest.
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