On Mothers Day, it seem appropriate to hear a mother's voice at prayer. I once posted these prayers by Theresa Ceniccola on the feast of Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine - and the fact that our new pope is an Augustinian priest makes this post even more timely. It strikes me that these five prayers might find a place in the hearts of mothers of young children - and - in the hearts of mothers who are now grandmothers...
A Prayer for Mothers
Who Need Rest
Being
a mom can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Just when you think you
can’t take another minute, something else comes along that requires your energy
and effort. But the good news—the truth—is that you can find rest in the Lord.
Lord, I come to you
today, humble and exhausted, and ask that you carry my burdens. I pray that you
lift my weary spirit and fill me with your love and peace so that I may be
restored and renewed in body and mind. Lord, pour your heavenly nourishment
into my soul and give me the energy to sustain myself in my role as a mother.
A Prayer for the
Anxious Mom
With
the birth of my first child, I developed an overwhelming capacity to worry. Through
the years, this tendency toward anxiety intensified with each new season of
motherhood. The more I worried, the more time I needed to spend in prayer. If
you are an anxious mother, like me, turn to this prayer in times of need.
Lord, I trust in you
and lean on you. I thank you for your mercy and provision for me and my family.
I come to you again and ask that your will be done in this situation we are
currently facing. Guard my heart and my mind and keep me focused on your will.
Lord, please send your Holy Spirit to breathe your peace into my soul and walk
with me on this journey.
A Prayer for
Patience
Our
work as moms can seem long and tedious. If you’ve ever had to repeat yourself
10 times a day, you know how frustrating our jobs can be. Children don’t mature
overnight and we don’t often see God’s plan for them all at once. This is why I
pray for patience with the following words:
Dear Lord, I know
you have a plan for my child and I thank you and praise you for allowing me the
gift of being his/her mother. I am frustrated because I want to see the fruits
of my labor, Lord. Please give me the patience to continue being obedient to your
word in raising my child. Teach me to wait in hope and confidence for you to
make your will known in your time.
A Prayer for Wisdom
As
a new mom, I wanted to learn as much as I could. Unfortunately, all of the
conflicting parenting advice can be confusing and overwhelming. Only God can
provide the wisdom we truly need as mothers. If you’re feeling confused about
what to do next, ask for wisdom with this prayer:
Lord, please give me
the wisdom to make decisions according to your will. Send me your vision in
this situation—and make it plain so that I will see it. And please show me how
to teach my child to make wise decisions so that he/she may also choose the
path that is pleasing to you.
A Prayer for Grace
I
don’t know about you, but I often feel completely inadequate as a mom. Too much
of my focus is on my own weaknesses and mistakes. I get overwhelmed with the
massive tasks and enormous responsibility of motherhood. So this is how I pray for God’s grace in
those times:
Lord, please fill me
with your grace so that I may be restored and renewed in my role as a mother.
Help me to remember that I do not have to do this alone—that you are with me to
strengthen and guide me.
§ § § § § § § § § §
Protect us, Lord while we're awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace...
Amen.
Tonight's song by the Getty's is from PBS Atlanta's 2015 concert: Joy - an Irish Christmas - which accounts for the verse in Gaelic (translation provided below).
Before you close your eyes to sleep
I have a promise still to keep
As I hold you in my arms.
I pray your little frame grows strong
And that faith takes hold while you are young;
This is my prayer for you.
Hold my hand;
I’ll teach you the Way to go.
Through the joys, through the tears,
The journey of these years,
May you trust Him ‘til the end.
May you trust Him in the end.
This world is not as it should be,
But the Savior opens eyes to see
All that’s beautiful and true.
Oh may His light fill all you are
And the jewel of wisdom crown your heart;
This is my prayer for you.
Hold my hand;
I’ll teach you the Way to go.
Through the joys, through the tears,
The journey of these years,
He is with us ‘til the end.
He is faithful ‘til the end.
Dún do shúil
Close Your eyes
Dún do shúil, a rún mo chroí
Close your eyes, oh love of my heart
A chuid den tsaol, ‘s a ghrá liom
My worldly joy, my treasure
Dún do shúil, a rún mo chroí
Close your eyes, oh love of my heart
Agus gheobhair feirín amárach…
And you will get a gift tomorrow
You’ll travel where my arms won’t reach
As the road will rise to lead your feet
On a journey of your own.
May my mistakes not hinder you
But His grace remain and guide you through;
This is my prayer for you.
Take His hand
And go where He calls you to.
And whatever comes, seek Him
With all your heart;
This will be my prayer for you.
Father, hear my ceaseless prayer;
Oh keep them in your care.
