As a believer, I’ve always known the importance of prayer. I pray for my children, my husband, my family, my country, and countless needs that arise in my life. However, I wasn’t always consistent, intentional, or fervent in my prayers—until I read The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian. This book opened my eyes to the profound significance of prayer in our lives as parents and believers.
In the book, I learned that I need to pray for basically everything because God cares about every part of my life. That includes my children’s lives, my marriage, my family, and truly EVERYTHING! God wants us to pray, ask, and seek Him for every aspect of our lives. This realization was both freeing and empowering.
Why We Pray?
This world is broken and full of challenges. Every day, we face obstacles that can feel overwhelming. The one thing that protects us from evil and guides us through these challenges is prayer. As mothers, we have a higher responsibility to pray for our children. Who else would pray for them more than us? Our prayers create a protective shield around them, inviting God’s love and guidance into their lives.
Stormie Omartian emphasizes that if we don’t pray for our children, we leave their lives to chance. This struck me deeply. We have the power to influence our children’s futures through our prayers. Stormie shares her own testimony about how her two children turned out great, largely due to her unwavering commitment to pray for them. She recounts how her prayers were answered in incredible ways, bringing peace and direction to her family.
Prayer is not just about asking for things; it’s about building a relationship with God. It’s a way to express our gratitude, our fears, and our hopes. When we pray, we acknowledge that we cannot do it all on our own and that we need God’s help and guidance.
As Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) reminds us: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
How to Pray?
Until recently, I didn’t realize that I needed to learn how to pray, why to pray, and what to pray about. I thought it was simply about speaking words to God and hoping He would listen. But I learned that having the Holy Spirit guide me in my prayers is essential. The Holy Spirit helps me understand what to say and how to connect with God more deeply.
Prayer is also worship. It’s about giving my will to God so He can work in my life. I didn’t fully grasp that God is always with me, never leaving my side. Prayer is an invitation for God to manifest Himself in my life. It’s a beautiful conversation where I can share my heart and listen for His voice.
As Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) encourages us, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” This verse reminds me that prayer is a continuous journey, not just a momentary act.
When to Pray?
The simple answer is: pray anytime! There’s no wrong time to connect with God. I’ve learned to pray when I wake up in the morning, before meals, during moments of stress, and before bed. I even pray while doing household chores or on the road. It’s about making prayer a part of my daily routine, so it flows naturally into my life.
Sometimes, I find it helpful to set aside specific times for prayer, especially when I want to focus on certain needs or concerns. The key is to be open to God throughout the day, inviting Him into every moment. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT) says, “Never stop praying.” This is a beautiful reminder that prayer can be woven into every aspect of our lives.
What to Pray?
What should we pray about? The answer is simple: everything! I pray for my children’s safety, their health, their education, and their character development. I pray for my husband, asking God to guide him in his work and protect our marriage. I lift up my family, friends, and even my community and country.
Also I pray for my own needs—strength, wisdom, and peace. I ask God to help me be the mother and wife He wants me to be. I pray for clarity and direction when I’m feeling lost or overwhelmed. As Matthew 21:22 (NLT) reminds us, “You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
I’ve learned that specific prayers can have a powerful impact. Instead of vague requests, I try to be specific in what I’m asking God for. This not only helps me focus my prayers but also allows me to see how God answers them in my life. When I pray for wisdom in my parenting journey, I remember James 1:5 (NLT): “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
In conclusion, becoming a prayerful mother has transformed my relationship with God and my family. I find that prayer makes my parenting easier because partnering with God lightens my burdens and worries. God is in control. He leads my way. He fills my heart with hope and peace in this dark, wild world.
I encourage you, fellow mothers, to embrace the power of prayer. Let it be a source of strength and comfort in your lives. Remember, God cares about every detail of your life, and He is waiting for you to invite Him in through your prayers. Let’s lean into this beautiful gift of communication with our Creator and watch how it changes our hearts and our families.
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