A Praying Heart

“I may sneer and sigh in disbelief. I may laugh with mingled doubt and delight. My abilities may be gone. The delay may seem long. Even if it seems incredible or impossible, God’s Power can accomplish it.”  Genesis 18:13-14 (Personalized)

One childhood memory I have is of my late great aunt, Evelyn, praying for my twin and me. I also recall my late friend, Genny, praying for her children as well. There is something powerful about the prayers etched and carved in love; one that God does not ignore.

1 Samuel 1 tells the story of Elkanah and his two wives. Verse 3 says, “Penninah had children, but Hannah had no children.” Elkanah loved Hannah and would give her a double portion of offering which caused Penninah to make Hannah miserable and greatly aggrieved. Year after year, Hannah endured this affliction, until in agony of spirit, she went to the temple and poured her heart out to God, so much so that Eli thought she was drunk. God answers Hannah’s prayers and blesses her with Samuel. 

A mother’s love is essential to this world; but of greater importance is love wrapped in prayer and faith in God. Paul says to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5, “I’m reminded of your authentic faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. I’m sure that this faith is also inside you.”

My mother is one of the most selfless women I know. Her love is wound in acts of service and dutifully she takes care of those around her, family and strangers alike. Genny was tenacious in her love of her children and reminds me of Ezekiel 19:2, NIV, “What a lioness was your mother among the lions! She lay down among them and raised her cubs.”

Motherhood is most definitely a call to sacrifice and should be worn with a badge of honour. There are those who have lost their moms and mothers who have lost their children. There are also those who have not borne any from their womb, but have helped to raise many. I salute you wherever you may fall. It takes a village to raise a child, though some may feel the burden is theirs alone.

“He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 113:9, NLT

For me, the prayers of the mother interwoven with love and tears carry us through our lifetime. The sacrifice made typifies the love of God for His Son Jesus and, by extension, the love He showers on this world. Take some time today to praise and reflect on God’s goodness.

“Perhaps the reason we respond so universally to our mothers’ love is because it typifies the love of our Saviour.” – Bradley D. Foster

“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the love of a Mother.” – St. Therese of Lisieux

“The joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times, but amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction.” – M. Russell

Ballard

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for mothers and motherhood. Through their sacrifice, generations live on. I pray that You bless each and everyone of them. Be a shoulder to lean on when they become weary. Be a comfort when they feel overwhelmed. Help them to trust You in moments of uncertainty. Like Hannah, may they entrust their children into Your care, for all of us are Your children. Bless and provide for their every need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“The prayers of a righteous mother are powerful, and they can change lives.” - Unknown

“There are few things more powerful than the prayers of a righteous mother.” – Boyd K. Packer

“Point your kids in the right direction – when they’re old they won’t be lost.” - Proverbs 22:6, MSG

Be blessed to be a blessing.

K.I.M (Kingdom Inspired Messages)

Author of K.I.M