How Do Biblical Mothers Pray?
The God of All Comfort for Every Mother
Mother's Day brings mixed emotions for many. Whether celebrating or grieving, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us that God is "the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort," who comforts us in every situation so we can comfort others.
4 Mothers Who Changed History Through Prayer
1. Lucy Ravenhill: Bold Prayer That Shaped a Preacher
Lucy, mother of renowned preacher Leonard Ravenhill, prayed over her newborn son: "Lord make this boy a preacher or don't let him live." She even took her two-hour-old infant to a prayer meeting! Leonard later wrote, "Prayer is not a preparation for the battle—it is the battle."
2. Susanna Wesley: Disciplined Prayer Despite Hardship
Despite raising 19 children (nine survived infancy), an absent husband, prison debt, house fires, and poverty, Susanna remained steadfast in prayer. When she couldn't find quiet space to pray, she would simply throw her apron over her head as a signal to her children: "Mama's praying."
She scheduled individual prayer time with each child and prioritized two conversations:
- Their spiritual progress
- Their growth in holiness
Her dedication produced extraordinary fruit—son John preached over 40,000 sermons, while Charles wrote more than 9,000 hymns that transformed 18th-century Christianity.
3. Eunice: Scripture-Centered Motherhood
Paul praised Timothy's "unfeigned faith" that first dwelt in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). According to 2 Timothy 3:14-15, Eunice taught him Scripture from childhood, making him "wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."
4. Maeyken van Deventer: Faithful to the End
In 1573, Maeyken was sentenced to death for her faith. Before being burned at the stake, she wrote to her children: "I cannot leave you gold or silver... but I sought the eternal riches." Despite torture, she refused to recant her faith, demonstrating complete trust in "the God of all comfort" even facing death.
3 Biblical Principles for Today's Mothers
1. Schedule Dedicated Prayer Time
Colossians 4:2 instructs us to "continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." Like Susanna Wesley, find creative ways to prioritize communion with God.
2. Teach God's Word Daily
Titus 2:3-5 shows that sound doctrine isn't just about theology—it's about godly living. Help your children become "wise unto salvation" through consistent Scripture teaching.
3. Persevere Through Trials with Faith
1Peter 2:19-21 reminds us that suffering patiently for doing good is "acceptable with God." When anchored in Christ, mothers can navigate tremendous hardships with grace.
From Prayer to Purpose
Today's mothers face different challenges than these historical examples, but the principles remain: fervent prayer, Scripture-based teaching, and faithful perseverance transform not just families but generations.
The most influential spiritual leaders throughout history often share one common factor: a praying mother who prioritized God's Word over worldly distractions.
🔊 Hungry for more biblical wisdom on parenting? This post summarizes a powerful expository preaching message on godly motherhood. Experience the full impact by listening to the complete sermon here. Our verse-by-verse Bible teaching will deepen your understanding of Scripture's timeless principles for families. 📖✝️