1 Timothy 2:1 “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men…”
Over and over again prayer is mentioned in the Bible as a crucial part of the Christian life. Paul in writing to his spiritual son, Timothy, reminded him of the necessity of prayer. He did not just suggest that he pray, he urged him to do so. If we are to pray earnestly for all men, then certainly we are to spend much time in prayer for our own children. But how does a busy mom find time to accomplish this important task?
Mothers of young children are constantly on the go. There is often no rest for the weary and little opportunity for alone quiet time in which to spend time praying. When that rare moment occurred for me, I would find my prayer distracted with thoughts of all the things I needed to do or cut short as I drifted into much needed sleep.
Though this is not always an easy task I encourage you to press on in prayer. The benefits for our children are many and it is worth the cost in more ways than you can imagine.
When seeking to develop a vibrant prayer life in a crazy mom-world, the first step is to pray that you can pray! God knows about our busy lifestyles and the constant demands of our job of mothering. He also knows that prayer and Bible study are crucial for our relationship with Him. He desires that for us, so why not ask Him to help you find ways to make it happen? You will be surprised how He opens up time slots for us to spend time in His presence.
Sometimes we get in our head that praying must take place in a quiet spot with no distractions. But prayer is just a conversation with God. This can take place throughout the day, even in the midst of much activity. Think about times you’ve had play dates. You engage with the other moms in much needed adult conversation even though it is constantly interrupted to wipe away tears or intervene in a dispute over an exciting toy. Though it is difficult you continue to do it because it is necessary for your own mental health. Why not so with God? He understands you will be distracted. He has assigned you the job of motherhood and knows how hard it is. Speak to Him conversationally throughout the day as you would any other friend.
Consider praying out loud. While driving down the road why not openly express gratitude to your heavenly Father for the beautiful sunset, or in a tense situation ask, “Lord, please help me.” This is a great way to model prayer for your children. Soon you may hear them speaking to God in an easy and comfortable way as if with a great friend.
When we pray it is only half of a conversation in which we speak to God. God speaks to us through His word, the Bible. This also requires time that we may not always have. But I have found it helpful to write a Bible verse on a card and tape it above my kitchen sink. While doing the dishes I can think about the words or even memorize them. You would be surprised how many times those words come to me as I discuss their meaning with the Lord.
Paul encouraged Timothy to pray all sorts of prayers for all sorts of people. Ask the Lord for the things you need. Thank Him for all that He has done. Entreat Him for wisdom in living life and guiding your little ones. Ask for protection for your husband and family. Designate places as reminders of people for whom you can pray. For example, pray for your neighbors as you drive by their houses, remember your children’s teachers every time you drive by the school, make meals times of remembrance for certain things. Designate a certain time as a prayer moment. When I glance at my watch and it reads 2:08 I mention to the Lord a specific prayer request. Set your Fitbit alarm to remind you to pray for special needs that you don’t want to forget.
Include your children in prayer for specific requests. Encourage them to pray for their teachers and friends. As they get older they can begin praying for their future spouse. He or she is a little child growing up somewhere and God hears prayers for them even though we do not know who they are.
Paul urged Timothy first of all to pray for all men. He knew it was crucial for this young pastor and it is also crucial for us as mothers. It isn’t surprising that Satan would try to discourage us from engaging in this most important activity. So start praying that you can pray! Speak to God throughout the day as you would a friend – because He is the best friend you could ever have.
What hindrances keep you from praying?
What is one change you can make in your life this week that will start you on the path to a better prayer life?
Pray that God will help you make this happen! It will be worth the effort.
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