Mothers Who Pray: Interceding Champions in the Bible

Throughout the pages of Scripture, the remarkable power of a mother's prayer is evident. Countless stories depict mothers who, with unwavering faith and compassionate hearts, cried out to God on behalf of their children. Their prayers, propelled by love and desperation, became catalysts for divine intervention and transformative outcomes.

Women of Prayer in the Old Testament

1. Hannah: A Prayer for a Son

Barren for many years, Hannah's heart yearned for a child. In her anguish, she fervently prayed at the sanctuary in Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:10-11). Her prayer was answered, and God granted her a son, Samuel, who became a renowned prophet and judge.

2. Rebekah: A Prayer for Guidance

When Rebekah's son Jacob was torn between two wives, she prayed for God's direction (Genesis 25:22-23). God revealed that her younger son, Jacob, would inherit the covenant promises and become the progenitor of a great nation.

3. Rachel: A Prayer for Life

Rachel, barren like her sister-in-law Hannah, desperately pleaded with God for a child (Genesis 30:1). Her prayer was answered, and she bore two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, who played pivotal roles in the future of Israel.

Mothers of Intercessors in the New Testament

4. Elizabeth: A Prayer for John the Baptist

Elizabeth, stricken with advanced age, prayed for a child (Luke 1:13-14). God answered her prayer and gave her a son, John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus.

5. The Mother of the Blind Man: A Prayer for Mercy

When Jesus was in Jericho, a blind man's mother implored him for mercy (Matthew 20:30-34). Jesus, moved by her faith, healed her son.

6. Eunice and Lois: Prayers for Timothy

The prayers of Timothy's mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, played a pivotal role in his spiritual growth (2 Timothy 1:5). Through their prayers, Timothy developed an unshakeable faith that became a beacon of hope for the early church.

Lessons from the Praying Mothers

• Pray with Unwavering Faith: The mothers in the Bible believed in God's ability to answer prayers, even when circumstances seemed hopeless.
• Pray Specifically: They prayed for specific needs and desires, trusting that God knew and cared about their concerns.
• Pray Persistently: They did not give up praying, even when answers were delayed. They believed in the power of perseverance.
• Pray with Compassion: Their prayers were not just for their own needs but also for the welfare of their children and others.
• Pray for God's Will: They submitted their desires to God's will, knowing that his plans were ultimately best.

Three Humorous Stories and Lessons Learned

1. A mother prays, "Lord, please give me patience." A few days later, her child spills milk all over her new carpet. She calmly sighs, "Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayer."

Lesson: Patience is not a virtue you get suddenly; it's a gradual process.

2. A mother prays, "Lord, please help my child to obey me more." Later that day, her toddler refuses to eat his meal. She says, "Please, Mommy, can I have a cookie instead?" The mother gives in.

Lesson: Obedience is a two-way street. Parents also need to be obedient to their children's needs.

3. A mother prays, "Lord, please help my son to be more helpful around the house." Later, she walks into the kitchen to find her son washing the dishes. She says, "Wow, thank you, Lord! You answered my prayer!" The son replies, "No problem, Mom. I just wanted to check if the dishwasher was working."

Lesson: It's important to be specific in our prayers. Otherwise, we may get unexpected results!

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Tips and Tricks

• Pray daily: Make prayer a regular part of your routine. Even if it's just for a few minutes, talk to God about your children and your concerns.
• Pray specifically: Don't just pray general prayers. Ask God for specific things, such as wisdom, protection, or healing.
• Pray with faith: Believe that God hears and cares about your prayers. Don't give up, even if answers don't come immediately.
• Pray with others: Join with other mothers to pray for your children and families. Shared prayer can strengthen your faith and create a powerful force for good.

Advanced Resources

• Moms in Prayer International: https://www.momsinprayer.org/
• Pray the Word for Your Children: https://www.marialearn.com/100-days-of-prayer-for-your-children-free-printable-prayer-guide/
• Praying for Your Children Devotional: https://www.fbcthurman.com/prayers/praying-for-your-children-devotional/

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it important to pray for my children?
   - Praying for your children acknowledges your dependence on God and invites his protection and guidance into their lives.
2. What should I pray for my children?
   - Pray for their physical, emotional, spiritual, and academic wellbeing. Pray for their relationships, their choices, and their future.
3. How often should I pray for my children?
   - Pray for your children as often as possible. Daily prayer is recommended, but even occasional prayers can make a difference.
4. What if I don't know what to pray?
   - Use resources such as prayer guides, Scripture verses about children, or the prayers of other mothers as inspiration.
5. Does God always answer prayers for mothers?
   - God always hears and cares about our prayers, but he may not always answer them in the way we expect. Trust that his plans are ultimately for our benefit and his glory.
6. Is it okay to pray for my children's specific needs?
   - Yes, it is appropriate to pray specifically for your children's needs, such as healing, protection, or guidance. Be patient and persevere in your prayers.