Mother’s Day is a time of celebration for many. But for a number of women, Mother’s Day is one of the most challenging days of the year because of the deep ache in their hearts. Church services and aisles of cards and flowers bring fresh grief over children they’ve never held, who’ve wandered and rebelled, or whom they’ve loved for a season and had to let go.
Please join me in praying for these moms this week. Pray they would know the love of their Heavenly Father like never before and for a loving community to surround them. If you are a mom struggling with heartache this week, we love you so much. I would love to pray for you and encourage you. Feel free to send me an email at amelia @ amelia rhodes . com or use the contact form on this site.
(Some prompts and prayers adapted from Pray A to Z: A Practical Guide to Pray for Your Community, used by permission, Worthy Publishing.)
Adoptive Moms
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
Pray for waiting adoptive mothers and mothers whose adopted children are struggling with attachment and other issues that are now surfacing. Pray for birth mothers who have made the hard choice to release their children.
Father, Thank you for these mothers who have given the incredible gift of a loving home to children born not of their body but of their heart. Be with these families and provide for their financial, emotional and physical needs as they adopt, and for all the years that follow after their children come home. Knit these families together in Your love. May a supportive and loving community surround them through all the struggles of parenthood and each situation they face together. When challenges come, when hurtful words are said, when fear and uncertainty creep in, I pray You will remain in the middle. Amen.
Moms who face Infertility and Infant Loss
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26
Pray for mothers who are struggling to have children, those undergoing fertility treatments, those who’ve had unsuccessful treatments, and those who’ve suffered miscarriages and stillbirths.
Father, We bring these precious women to You who desire children, yet are unable so far to have them. Our hearts ache. Words fail us. Draw these women close to You. Give a hope and trust in You that will never fade. When darkness overwhelms, when all hope seems lost, when careless words are spoken, may they know the light of Your love. Protect their marriages. Please provide a supportive community and wisdom for difficult decisions. Encourage them not to withdraw from people who love them, but to let them journey with them through the pain. This weekend, if the ache washes over them, be their peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
Foster Moms
Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me. Mark 9:37
Pray for foster mothers as they love and care for children in their homes who have faced trauma, and for wisdom and peace as they work with social workers, therapists, caseworkers, the court system and biological families.
Father, thank You for these precious mothers who have opened their homes and hearts to love children in times of their greatest distress. Give them wisdom and patience as they partner with social workers, the court system, and biological parents through complicated situations. Enable them to give each child, both foster children and any biological or adopted children, the time and attention he or she needs. Provide support for their practical needs. Give them wisdom as they help children transition to another home or back with their biological family. Be their strength as they parent and love these children while in their home whether for a period of days or years. When they are tired, out of strength, and lacking wisdom, fill in the gaps and fill them with Your love and peace. Amen.
Grieving Moms
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Pray for mothers who are grieving loss – whether a child who has passed away, a child facing serious illness or a new diagnosis, a child who has refused relationship and has walked away from the family, or a marriage that has fallen apart.
Father, we lift up mothers who are grieving deep losses. Some have buried a child, and even though years pass, this pain never fully goes away. Wrap your arms around them and provide a community to sit with them in this unspeakable grief. Comfort mothers who are facing a diagnosis and illness that changes their children’s future. May they know You walk with them as they lament the loss of the life they desired for their children. Help them come to You with their deep heartache. Provide peace for mothers whose children will not call this weekend, who will not be allowed to see grandchildren, and for those who don’t know where their children are. Give them hope. Help them know they are valued and loved by You and a community of people around them. We ask boldly in the name of Jesus for restoration and redemption in each situation. For moms who are facing Mother’s Day while grieving a marriage, be their comfort, remove any fear or shame, and may they know Your deep and abiding love. Amen.
Pregnant in Crisis Mom
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13
Pray for those who have unexpected pregnancies, for those who are pregnant and alone, and those who are fearful and uncertain of what to do now. Pray for those who are pregnant and facing complications.
Father, You are the Creator of all life. You know each child while still in their mothers’ wombs, and You know all the days of their lives before they happen. Thank you for the lives growing inside these mothers. Ease their fears and anxieties. Surround them with a community to love and support them long-term through the challenges ahead. Help them make wise decisions. For the mothers who are facing pregnancies with complications, draw them close to You. Give them peace to know You are with them and will never forsake them. Give the doctors wisdom, and may they rely on Your strength. Amen.
Moms Struggling with a Mental Illness
Why my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11
Pray for moms who struggle with depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, and other mental health issues to not feel alone or hopeless. Pray for support and understanding from their families and friends and for good health providers.
Father, we lift up moms who battle depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental health struggles, and for all who hide their pain, or may not realize what they are battling yet. We ask they might not feel isolated or alone. Grant courage to seek help, and the ability to accept help when it is offered. Help each one to know Your love through the people who surround them, including their children. Give them a sound mind. Let your Holy Spirit fill their souls. Help them find a safe community to share their struggles. Give them courage to get out of bed and face the day. Give them strength and energy as they continue to mother their children in the midst of their own exhaustion and pain. We ask they would feel safe and supported by You and the people around them. Help them know they are valued, and give them wisdom to know how to care for themselves. Amen.
Single Moms
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. Psalm 16:5
Pray for single moms to have support and encouragement and for their practical needs to be met, and for God to be their spouse and fulfiller of all their needs.
Father, thank You for Your steadfast love in all situations. Today, help single moms know they are never alone. Help each one see in tangible ways how You are providing for every need. Provide friends who show Your love through acts of service, hugs, and kind words. Should they feel judged or like an outsider, remind them of the truth of who You say they are. When they are out of energy, give them the extra boost they need. Bring someone alongside them to offer encouragement and support. For those who desire marriage, grant them patience to wait and not rush into a relationship out of loneliness. Remind us all that our identity is not found in another person or relationship status, but in You. Amen.