Stacey A. Shannon is a freelance journalist and blogger who has been published internationally. She's also a Christian, a wife and a mom of two school-aged children. She started Families with Grace in 2019 to encourage Christian moms as they create homes filled with grace, love and faith.
Be sure to get the FREE family devotion book, "Finding Grace at Home: 7 Days of 5 Minute Devotions for Families." It's a great way to help your family draw closer to each other and to God.
Motherhood can be lonely. You weren't meant to go on your motherhood journey alone. Connect with Stacey and other Christian moms like you in the private Facebook group, Moms with Grace!
And check out the books from Stacey A. Shannon as well!
One lesson I’ve wanted to instill in my children is God is always with them. They can talk to Him at any time. (As a mom, I love knowing that God is with them every moment, since I can’t be!)
So, we started teaching them to pray early on. It started as toddlers with simple prayers at bedtime and has evolved from there.
Yet teaching little ones to pray has its challenges. Prayer is intangible. It can be hard to understand.
While we want to encourage our children to talk freely with their Heavenly Father, we also want them to take it seriously. Finding the right balance is a struggle.
Whenever we find resources to make teaching our littles about prayer in a way they can understand, then we want to jump right on them!
Books about prayer for children are a terrific way to help our kids understand prayer in a relatable way. Reading to our children not only is good for them mentally and emotionally, it can also help them grow spiritually.
I received a copy of “All the Things I Say to God” at no charge in exchange for providing a children’s book about prayer review and social media posts about it. All opinions, however, are completely my own and not influenced by the free copy.
Finding the right book to read
The tremendous power of books is they can teach us lessons without feeling like they are teaching. An avid reader myself, I’ve learned so many things from the written words of others.
Children’s books need to be engaging in their story-telling and in their images. Kids should come away with new ideas and lessons learned while enjoying the book enough they want to read it time and again.
“All the Things I Say to God” fits this bill well. It’s beautifully illustrated by Anita Schmidt and poignantly written by popular poet, writer and speaker, Tanner Olson.
The book follows a little girl named Abby who is learning all about prayer. We see her learn how to pray on her own and not just with her parents at mealtime, bedtime and church.
Asking the best questions
From the early days when my children were starting to grasp faith, my husband and I have told them they can ask any question. We’ll find out an answer if we don’t have one — even if the answer ends up being that nobody knows for sure.
God is big enough to handle our questions. In “All the Things I Say to God,” Abby asks the questions kids have about prayer.
The book begins with her asking her mom whether she can pray on her own. So from the beginning, we learn anyone can pray at any age and at any time, a crucial lesson for children to learn.
Talking to God as a friend
In Abby’s first solo prayer, we read her words that very much reflect how a child would pray. She starts simply with “Hi, God! It’s me, Abby.”
She goes on to tell Him about her favorite things in life, her dog and seeing a butterfly that day. Her prayer is short, simple and sweet. And that’s exactly how kiddos (and adults!) start with prayer.
I remember my own two children often praying at bedtime and talking to God about what happened that day. This is a great way to get children talking to God and realizing He cares about all that’s going on in their lives.
Growing in faith
But the book doesn’t stop there. The more Abby prays, the more she wants to learn about prayer and what she can pray for.
She learns she can ask God questions and thank Him for His gifts. The book doesn’t talk about Abby getting answers from God. It merely says she’s excited for Him to answer.
At first reading, I felt like that was a negative in the book. We all want to know how God answers our questions!
Yet, I thought about it further and realized it’s a great way to handle it. Our children would often ask questions as we read and this is a perfect discussion opportunity for kiddos who are ready to address it. For kiddos who aren’t, it just gets them thinking of what they can talk to God about.
Praying without words
“All the Things I Say to God” even covers how to pray when we have nothing to say. Abby’s mom tells her that she can simply be quiet, listen and think about God.
This is a lesson we adults need as well! Sitting quietly in God’s presence and allowing Him to talk to us is often overlooked.
Olson does a good job of introducing this concept in an age-appropriate way to help children understand prayer is communication, not just us talking to God but also us listening.
In fact, this section is one of my favorites in the book:
“So that night, after the sun set and the moon shone bright, Abby lay quiet and still. She didn’t feel lost or alone — she felt safe and loved, just thinking about God.
“Abby knew God was with her always, even in the silence.
“Abby paused and remembered God in the quiet moments of the day.”
Excerpt from “All the Things I Say to God” by Tanner Olson
What beautiful words for both children and adults!
Praying for others
Finally, we see Abby learn to pray for others. She starts by telling God how much she loves her mother.
I love Abby’s very real conversation with God in which she says: “I love donuts with sprinkles, but I love my mom more.”
This makes me smile as a mama and also reminds me of what my kiddos said when they were younger.
Who the book is best for
If you are in a phase of teaching little ones to pray, this book is a great addition to your library that will open conversations with your children about prayer in their own life. Preschool through early elementary children would enjoy this book.
As someone who writes curriculum for children, I also love it for children’s ministries. “All the Things I Say to God” explains prayer well in a group setting, too.
Ultimately, the book helps children learn they can talk to God, too, about anything at any time and do so all on their own.
As moms, we’re naturally wired to put everyone else first. We pray for our children’s safety, our husband’s well-being and our friends’ struggles.
Yet when it comes to praying for ourselves, we often hesitate. Maybe it feels selfish, or perhaps we’re just so accustomed to placing our needs last that we forget we need prayer, too.
This week, we’re focusing on something vital but frequently overlooked: praying for yourself. This isn’t self-centered—it’s actually essential to your spiritual health and your ability to care for those you love.
This post is part of the “Praying Through the Busy” free Bible study. Find all the details:
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the link to download the free study guide, reflection questions, reading plan, prayer prompts and more for the week.
Why praying for yourself matters
God knows motherhood requires tremendous strength, wisdom and patience—far more than we possess on our own. That’s why He invites us to bring our needs directly to Him.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
When we neglect to pray for ourselves, we’re essentially trying to mother from an empty well. We cannot continually pour out what we haven’t first received.
Just as flight attendants instruct parents to put on their own oxygen masks before helping their children, we need spiritual nourishment before we can effectively nurture others.
Jesus Himself modeled this practice. Despite the constant demands of ministry, He regularly withdrew to pray alone (Luke 5:16). If the Son of God needed this time of personal prayer and renewal, how much more do we?
What to pray for yourself as a mother
Sometimes we’re not sure what to pray when it comes to ourselves. Here are some vital areas to consider:
Pray for confidence
Whether you’re naturally confident or not, being confident as a mom is challenging. We question constantly whether we’re making the right choices or doing the right thing.
Motherhood is a lot of pressure. But the good news is, we aren’t going on this journey alone.
“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”
Psalm 46:5 (NIV)
I’ve always struggled with being hard on myself. But, becoming a mom took that to a whole new level.
I’ll never forget the doctor’s visit when our daughter was a couple of days old where the pediatrician we had to see questioned everything we were doing and made me feel like I was failing.
I sat in the backseat on the way home beside my sweet tiny girl and sobbed. (And you can bet we never went to that pediatrician again.)
I was already questioning everything. Becoming a mom is overwhelming and being confident in something brand-new is hard — especially when you’re hormonal and exhausted.
That was far from the only time I’ve needed confidence as a mom. While I can’t always find confidence in myself, I can find it in God. When He and I are working together (as in I’m truly seeking Him), we can do anything.
Father, thank you for being within me and keeping me from falling. I praise you for being with me at the break of each and every day and throughout the long, long nights of motherhood. Give me confidence in you that I will not fall and will have strength for the tasks you’ve set before me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pray for strength and renewal
Motherhood can be physically and emotionally exhausting, whether you’re up all night with a newborn or worrying about a teenager making good choices.
God promises special strength to those who wait on Him:
“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 (NIV)
When you feel depleted, pray specifically for God’s strength to fill you. This isn’t a sign of weakness but of wisdom—recognizing your need for divine power beyond your own resources.
Recently, during a particularly challenging week with sick kids and looming deadlines, I found myself at the end of my rope by Wednesday afternoon.
Instead of pushing through on my own strength, I took five minutes alone to be honest with God that I didn’t have it in me to keep going. I begged for His strength.
That brief moment of surrender made all the difference in how I handled the rest of my day.
Dear God, help me to always place my hope in you. I ask that you renew and refill my strength daily. I get tired and weary as a mom and a woman. Give me your strength to keep going and not get weary or faint. Remind me you are with me every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pray for peace amid chaos
Mom life is rarely peaceful on the outside. There are spills to clean, schedules to manage and endless needs to meet.
But God offers an internal peace that transcends our circumstances:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
When anxiety creeps in—about your children’s future, your family’s finances or simply how you’ll get through the day—bring those specific concerns to God. Exchange your worries for His peace.
And if you are like me and battle with anxiety regularly, keep going and giving it to God as many times as you need to. (Read more about how to deal with anxiety as a Christian.)
Father, I get anxious when I look at the things going on in my life around me. I ask that in every situation I encounter that you give me your peace, which is beyond my understanding. Thank you for all the blessings you have already given me. Please guard my heart and mind and help me to keep my focus on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pray for wisdom
Every day as moms, we face countless decisions: How do I handle this behavior issue? Is this the right activity for my child? Should I be more strict or more lenient in this situation?
James offers this beautiful promise:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James 1:5 (NIV)
God doesn’t expect you to have all the answers. He simply invites you to ask Him for the wisdom you need, moment by moment.
Many times throughout my motherhood journey, I have asked God for wisdom and guidance. Being a mom is a lot of pressure!
When my oldest was starting school, even just figuring out the best school for her was a challenge. I asked God for wisdom and guidance.
He opened the doors for her to go to a school I didn’t expect, and now — as she’s just finished her freshman year of high school — I see all the ways it’s been a perfect fit.
Dear God, I thank you and praise you for the wisdom you’ve already given me in my life. Thank you for giving it to me even when I mess up. Father, I ask that you continue to give me your wisdom. Help me to know the best ways to raise these children you’ve blessed me with. Give me the right words, thoughts and actions as their mama. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pray for courage
Motherhood requires courage—courage to make tough decisions, to discipline consistently, to advocate for your children and to stand firm in your convictions when the world pushes against them.
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1 (NIV)
When you face intimidating situations—whether it’s confronting a school issue, navigating a difficult relationship or making a major family decision—pray for the courage that comes from knowing God is with you.
I’m a naturally quiet person who loathes confrontation. But I’ve had moments of having to stand up for and advocate for my children.
God has given me courage to do what is best for them and speak up when I didn’t have the strength to do so on my own.
Dear God, thank you for being my light and my salvation. I know that I have no one and nothing to fear, yet I often live like I do. Help me to overcome my fears and remember you are my stronghold on whom I can depend. You have already won the battle. Strengthen my faith and confidence in you. When fearful thoughts enter my mind, help me overcome them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pray for rest and restoration
In a culture that glorifies busyness, choosing rest can feel countercultural. Yet God designed us to need both physical and spiritual rest.
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV)
I know firsthand the struggle of finding downtime and rest as a mom — because our job never, ever stops. However, we truly need rest, and resting isn’t selfish or lazy.
I struggle with this often myself. Recently one of my children told me that I’ve been working too hard recently and need to give myself a break. Ouch!
We mamas are also setting examples for our children in how they should live and treat themselves. That’s even more motivation to model a healthy balance that includes rest and downtime.
And I can’t do this on my own. I need God’s help to prioritize rest and find ways to make it happen, even in the midst of the busy.
Father, I struggle with finding rest. Help my soul to find rest in you. Thank you for the salvation the comes from you. Remind me you are my rock who remains steady and in whom I can trust. Show me ways that I can stop even for just a few minutes and find the true rest and restoration that comes only through you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pray for grace in your weakness
None of us mothers perfectly. We lose our patience, say things we regret and fall short of our own expectations. In those moments, remember:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
It’s hard to imagine that God’s strength and love can shine through my weaknesses, but they can. In fact, I have been able to use some of my own weaknesses to talk to my children about God.
My youngest struggles with anxiety. I have been able to talk with him about my same struggles with anxiety and how God has helped me with them.
I am thankful for any weakness that helps me understand my children more and point them to their Heavenly Father.
Dear God, thank you for giving me grace and loving me even in my weakness. I ask that the power of Christ rests on me and shines through me to those around me — including my children. I surrender my life and my motherhood to you. I know I am inadequate, but you are perfect. Let your perfection shine through to cover the places where I fall short. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Practical ways to prioritize prayer for yourself
Knowing we should pray for ourselves is one thing; actually doing it is another. Here are some practical suggestions for making it happen in your busy mom life:
Create prayer triggers
Identify routine daily activities that can serve as reminders to pray for yourself:
While brushing your teeth, pray for wisdom for the day
During your shower, pray for God’s strength
While waiting in the school pickup line, pray for peace and patience
As you wash dishes, pray for restoration
Keep Scripture cards handy
Write this week’s verses on index cards and place them where you’ll see them throughout the day—on your bathroom mirror, by the kitchen sink, in your car or saved as phone wallpaper. When you glimpse the verse, pause for a brief moment of prayer.
Set a daily appointment
Choose a specific time each day dedicated to praying for yourself, even if it’s just 5 minutes. Early morning before the house wakes up, during naptime or after bedtime often works well for moms.
Protect this time as you would any important appointment. You can quite literally set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself to pray.
Use prayer prompts in your journal
If you keep a journal, create a section specifically for prayers for yourself. Include prompts based on this week’s Scriptures:
Today I need God’s strength for…
I’m feeling anxious about… Lord, I give this to you and receive your peace.
I need wisdom regarding…
I need courage to…
My soul needs rest from…
I feel weak in… Lord, show your power in this area.
Join with others
Find a prayer partner—another mom who understands the importance of self-prayer. Check in weekly to share what you’re praying for yourselves and to encourage one another in this practice.
Joining a group of Christian moms can be a great way to find a prayer partner or to stay focused on God while dealing with motherhood. Be sure to check out our free and private Facebook group, Christian Moms with Grace.
Sometimes praying silently for ourselves doesn’t feel as “official” as praying for others. Try praying out loud for yourself when you’re alone, using your own name: “Father, please give [your name] the wisdom she needs for this decision…”
Overcoming guilt about praying for yourself
If you still struggle with feeling selfish when praying for yourself, remember these truths:
God commands us to love others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). This assumes we will care for ourselves—not out of selfishness but as good stewards of the life God has given us.
Jesus invited people to come to Him when they were weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28). This includes you!
You’re modeling healthy spiritual practices for your children. When they see you valuing your relationship with God enough to bring your own needs to Him, they learn to do the same.
A beautiful thing happens when we start regularly praying for ourselves: we become more effective in loving and serving others. Rather than operating from depletion, resentment, or obligation, we serve from the overflow of what God is doing in our hearts.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)
This verse describes a woman who has inner resources—strength and dignity that come from her relationship with God. As you pray for yourself this week, may you experience this same divine clothing, equipped for whatever motherhood brings your way.
Encouragement for moms
Dear mama, you are seen, known and deeply loved by the Creator of the universe. The God who knit your children together in your womb also knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). He knows exactly what you need.
In the noise and demands of motherhood, don’t forget that you are still His beloved daughter. He delights in you coming to Him with your needs, your dreams, your struggles and your desires.
God isn’t distant from your motherhood journey—He is with and within you. You carry His presence with you through diaper changes and teenage drama alike. Because He is within you, you will not fall (Psalm 46:5). You can trust His help with each new day.
As you pray for yourself this week, my prayer is that you’ll experience a fresh awareness of God’s love for you, not just as a mother, but as His precious child. May you find freedom in bringing your whole self to Him, knowing that He cares about every detail of your life and heart.
Let’s conclude with a prayer you can pray right now to help you start focusing on praying for your needs as well.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for meeting me in the quiet pauses of my day and for the gift of your presence that sustains my heart, mind, body and soul. As I pray through these verses and practice resting in you, fill me with your peace that transcends every fear and every fatigue. Help me to carry these sacred pauses into my busiest moments—reminding me that you are my strength, my refuge and my hope. Empower me by your Spirit to make self-care a holy habit, so my cup overflows with grace to love my family well. May my life be a living prayer of thanksgiving and trust, reflecting your faithfulness in every step. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Age-by-age prayer lessons and activities that really stick
Teaching children to pray isn’t about creating mini-theologians. It’s about giving our kids a lifeline to the God who loves them unconditionally.
Just like the disciples who asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1-4), our children need guidance—and we need grace.
Prayer fits into real life: sticky fingers at dinner, late-night homework stress and chaotic car lines. It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection.
And that’s exactly what we are focusing on this week in the free Bible study for moms, “Praying Through the Busy.” Because along with wanting to grow in our own prayer lives, we want to teach our children how to pray.
This post is part of the “Praying Through the Busy” free Bible study. Find all the details:
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the link to download the free study guide, reflection questions, reading plan, prayer prompts and more for the week.
Preparing your own heart
Just like in everything we do as mamas, starting by preparing our own hearts and spending time in prayer is the first step.
We can’t do it on our own. Well, we can certainly try, but it never goes as well as when we have God’s help!
Even a simple, short prayer like “God, help me teach my kids to pray,” works well. (Scroll to the bottom for a more in-depth prayer.)
As you are teaching children to pray, make sure you are spending your own time talking to God and asking Him for guidance. We want our kiddos to learn to truly connect with their Heavenly Father, not just go through the motions.
Early on, for example, my son was often sick. A few months after he was born, his big sister started preschool and brought lots of germs home. We went FOREVER with someone constantly sick.
When my son started praying as a toddler, his prayer always included, “Jesus, help me feel better.”
That’s incredibly sweet, but as time went by, those words just became routine and he said them no matter what — even when he was perfectly healthy.
Even as an adult, I struggle with getting stuck in prayer ruts. So, we want to make sure we are intentionally teaching children to pray with the mindset it is a conversation with God and not just words we repeat.
Real-life prayer roadblocks (and quick fixes!)
Even the most determined mama hits a few speed bumps when teaching children to pray. Let’s tackle some of the biggest ones that pop up for most families at some point.
1. “We don’t have time!”
Between soccer practice, homework and chaotic car lines, prayer can feel like one more thing on the checklist.
Instead of adding a brand-new slot to your schedule, tie prayer to a rhythm you already have—the first bite of dinner, the seat-belt click or lights-out at night.
If the evening is wild, fall back on a two-sentence rule: “Lord, thanks for today. Help us rest well. Amen.” Consistency beats length every time.
Small times of prayer really add up. For example, praying together for just 60 seconds at bedtime will result in an extra 6 hours of family prayer time over the next six months—without adding a single item to your calendar.
2. “Praying out loud feels awkward.”
Kids—and plenty of adults—worry they’ll “say it wrong.” Start first with being honest: “I still get nervous sometimes, but God loves hearing from us.” Your authenticity gives them permission to try.
Start small: try echo prayers (you speak one short line, they repeat it) or a quick “thank-you round” where each person names one thing they’re grateful for.
If words still stick, let them hold something tangible—a favorite photo, a verse card, even a smooth stone—as a quiet reminder that prayer is simply talking to a loving Father. Authenticity always trumps eloquence, and we’ll dive into more hands-on ideas in the sections below.
(And be sure to check out the prayer prompt, age-specific cards for toddlers through teens in the premium bundle for the week!)
3. Short attention spans and endless screens
Little ones wiggle, and older kids’ phones buzz non-stop. Keep early prayer activities for kids brief—think 30-second bursts instead of 10-minute marathons.
A one-sentence gratitude in the car line or a quick “help me, Jesus” breath prayer before a math test models that talking with God fits into real life. (We’ll dive into specific age-based ideas in a moment.)
Distraction is another good strategy for teaching children to pray, especially when they are little. Try a coloring page to help them hold still and focus.
Tweens and teens can spot forced spirituality a mile away. Welcome their questions—God can handle them—and invite input: “What’s one issue you’d like us to pray about this week?”
When they choose the topic, they buy into the process. Remind them prayer isn’t magic words; it’s conversation with a Father who’s big enough for honest doubt.
Prayer lessons for every age: practical strategies
Talking with and teaching children to pray changes with them. The concept remains the same, but the topics shift dramatically from a toddler to a teen.
So, we’re going to break it down into age groups, but you can use any of these ideas for any age if you think they’d work well in your family!
Toddlers and preschoolers: Planting prayer seeds
For toddlers and preschoolers, prayer can be challenging to understand because it is a bit abstract. So, we want to find ways to make it more tangible, understandable and relatable for little ones.
Keeping prayers short (one or two sentences even), simple and fun are the best ways to pray with toddlers and preschoolers.
Object lessons on prayer are a great way to help them grasp the concept. Try some of these ideas:
Make a prayer basket
Fill a small basket with:
Picture cards of family members
Photos of favorite things
A cuddly “prayer bear” (or any soft, stuffed animal)
Introduce the prayer basket to your child as something we’re going to use to thank God. Let them cuddle with their “prayer bear” they only use at prayer time, and have them pull a card out of the basket.
Then help them simply pray and say, “God, thank you for ____________ (whatever is on the card) Amen.”
This is a great way to introduce them to prayer and to the concept that God gives us the good things in our lives.
Make a prayer hand craft reminder
Trace your child’s hand on a piece of paper and then label each finger with the following prayer prompts:
Thumb: Family
Pointer: Teachers/Leaders
Middle finger: People who need help
Ring finger: Friends
Pinky: Yourself
During prayer time, refer to the page and help your child pray for one thing per topic on each finger.
The prayer might be something like: Dear God, keep mommy and daddy safe. Thank you for my nursery school teacher. Help my friend Elizabeth feel better. Thank you for my friends Elizabeth and Katie. Help me learn to share with my little brother. Amen.
Daily, drop a bead or marble into a jar for each blessing you and your family name. When the jar is full, plan a special family night.
Elementary kids: Deepening the conversation
As children get older into elementary school, we want to encourage them to go deeper in their prayer lives and connect with God in new ways.
During these years, teaching children to pray is all about helping them truly understand prayer as a conversation with God. Reminding them they can talk to God about anything at any time is important.
When your child asks why we pray “all the time,” read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18—“Rejoice always… pray continually… give thanks in all circumstances.” Then brainstorm quick “pop-up prayers” they can whisper during recess or math class.
Try some of these prayer activities for kids to help them learn to pray:
Start a simple prayer journal
You can make a prayer journal to use as a family or for your children to use on their own. For younger elementary students, a family prayer journal might work best. While older elementary students might enjoy having their own.
A prayer journal is a great way for children (and adults!) to track and celebrate God’s responses.
Put up a family prayer board
Use a cheap cork board, wall space or even the side of your refrigerator to make a family prayer board.
Write down prayer requests each day or week on sticky notes or index cards to go on the board. When a prayer is answered, let your children decorate that card with stickers and move it to a different area.
This is a very tangible way for your children to see prayer requests and God at work.
A lot like prayer baskets for toddlers and preschoolers, prayer envelopes are a simple and impactful way to help your children remember to pray for others.
You just need two envelopes of whatever size you have. Letter-sized or 5 x 7-inch ones work well.
Label one envelope: “To Pray For” and the other one “Prayed For.” Let your kiddos decorate the envelopes if they want.
Have your children make a list of people in their lives they’d like to pray for: family members, friends, teachers, specific prayer needs, etc. (My kiddos also included pets in theirs!)
Cut the list apart into strips, fold them and put them in the “To Pray For” envelope.
During prayer time, have your child draw a slip of paper from the envelope to pray for and then place it in the “Prayed For” envelope. You can rotate through the slips as many times as you want.
Tweens and teens: Authentic spiritual conversations
Prayer lessons for older kids is all about authenticity. Tweens and teens of can smell forced spirituality a mile away. This phase of teaching children to pray is more about cheering them on from the sidelines.
These ages are also when kid start questioning faith and having doubts more often. It’s a good time to remind them that God is good with difficult questions.
I’ve told my own two kiddos God can stand up to any question we have. If He couldn’t, then He wouldn’t be a God worth serving.
Though this phase of parenting may not look like nightly bedtime prayers, still find times to offer to pray with your children and remind them you are praying for them as well.
To help your tweens and teens grow even more in their prayer lives, try these ideas:
Give them a prayer playlist challenge
Music is powerful. During middle and high school, kids are usually naturally drawn to it.
So challenge your children to create a playlist of their favorite worship music. Encourage them to do some journaling or voice-memo prayers while listening.
Start a global prayer challenge
To help your tweens and teens start thinking about the world outside as a whole, start a global prayer challenge by picking a new country each week or month.
Research the prayer needs in that country together, and then commit to praying for them as a family or individually.
You can also keep this closer to home and do a national prayer challenge. My children are aware of a variety of alarming current events in our country, and we often talk about the importance of praying for such things.
Connect with technology
Use technology to your advantage and start a group text prayer chain in your family. A simple text thread where your kiddos (or you and your husband) can drop a prayer need or praise is a low-pressure way to keep prayer on their minds.
Oftentimes texting something is easier for kids at these ages than saying it.
A shared prayer app can be similar. Shared prayer apps are great for helping you remember prayer needs and also share them with others if you so choose.
(My personal favorite is PrayerMate, which is completely free.)
A mom’s prayer for teaching children to pray
Remember, mama: Prayer isn’t another chore on the family checklist; it’s the lifeline that makes the rest of the list lighter.
Whether you squeeze in a two-sentence car-line prayer or a deep teen conversation at 11 p.m., you’re modeling a faith that flexes with real life—and that example is what sticks long after the sticky fingers are gone.
Let’s conclude with a prayer you can pray right now to help you teach your children to pray:
Dear God, thank you for allowing us to talk with you freely and openly. I ask that you help me in teaching my children to pray and talk with you. Give me creativity in teaching my littles to pray. Help me to have patients when wiggly bodies won’t hold still. Fill me with your words as I give instructions and pray out loud with my family. Father, help me to get out of your way so you can move in my children’s lives. Give me wisdom and discernment to guide them in prayer. Remind me that every simple prayer we pray together plants a seed for a lifetime. Lord, teach my children to hear your voice, love your Word and lean on you in every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As mothers, we are often driven to our knees in prayer for our children. From the moment we learn we’re expecting until long after they’ve grown and left our homes, our hearts are perpetually whispering prayers for their protection, growth and future.
Welcome to week two of our prayer journey! Last week, we focused on praying for our marriages. This week, we’re turning our attention to one of the most powerful gifts we can give our children: consistent, intentional prayer.
Proverbs 22:6 says:
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
Prayer is an essential part of this training—not just the prayers we pray with our children, but also the prayers we pray for them when they aren’t listening.
This post is part of the “Praying Through the Busy” free Bible study. Find all the details:
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the link to download the free study guide, reflection questions, reading plan, prayer prompts and more for the week.
The Biblical foundation for praying for your children
Throughout Scripture, we see parents who understood the power of prayer in their children’s lives.
Hannah prayed fervently for a son and then dedicated Samuel to the Lord’s service. (1 Samuel 1:10-11, 27-28)
Job offered sacrifices for his children regularly, just in case they had sinned. (Job 1:4-5)
Abraham prayed God would bless and protect his son Ishmael. (Genesis 17:18-20)
Mary treasured the prophecies about Jesus and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
And even though Jesus wasn’t a parent, he prayed for believers—including future generations. (John 17:20-21)
So praying for our children is Biblically sound and an important part of parenting.
Why our prayers matter
You might wonder, “If God loves my children even more than I do, why do my prayers for them matter?” The answer is multifaceted.
Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s purposes for our children. When we pray, we begin to see our children as God sees them—not just as our babies, but as individuals created for His purposes.
Prayer invites God’s protection over our children in a world full of danger and negative influences.
Prayer gives us peace when we’re worried about our children. As Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Finally, prayer has generational impact. 2 Timothy 1:5 shows us how faith can be passed down through generations, from grandmother to mother to child.
Praying with purpose: How to cover your children in prayer
Rather than just praying generally for our children to be “blessed” or “happy,” Scripture guides us to pray specifically and purposefully. Here are seven key areas to cover when praying for your children:
1. Pray for their salvation and relationship with God
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
While we cannot force our children to believe, we can pray persistently for their hearts to be drawn to the Lord.
Prayer example:
Lord, I pray that you would draw [child’s name] to yourself. Open their eyes to see your truth and their heart to receive your love. May they come to know you not just as God, but as their personal Savior and friend. I pray that faith would take deep root in their heart according to your promise in Proverbs 22:6. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
2. Pray for their protection
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Psalm 91:11-12 (NIV)
God promises protect us and our children. Try this Scripture-based prayer for your children’s protection:
Prayer example:
Father, according to Your Word in Psalm 91, I ask that You would command Your angels concerning [child’s name]. Guard them physically, emotionally and spiritually. Protect them from harm, from negative influences and from the schemes of the enemy. Keep them safe in all their ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
3. Pray for their character development
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
Pray that your children would grow in Godly character—developing the fruit of the Spirit in their lives.
Prayer example:
Holy Spirit, work in [child’s name]’s heart to develop Godly character. May they grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Like a tree planted by streams of water, may their life produce fruit that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
4. Pray for their future
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
God knows the plans He has for your children. Try this powerful prayer for God’s guidance in their life decisions.
Prayer example:
Lord, You know the plans You have for [child’s name]—plans to prosper them and not to harm them, plans to give them hope and a future. Guide their steps according to Your perfect will. Help them discover the gifts You’ve placed within them and use those gifts for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
5. Pray for their relationships
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
From friendships to future spouses, our children’s relationships will significantly impact their lives. Pray for God’s hand in these connections.
Prayer example:
Father, I pray that you would bring Godly friends into [child’s name]’s life who will encourage them in faith and character. Protect them from harmful relationships. If marriage is in their future, I pray even now for their future spouse—that they would be growing in you and being prepared for a Godly marriage. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
6. Pray for their minds and education
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength.
Ephesians 1:17-19 (NIV)
Pray for your children’s intellectual development and for protection over their minds.
Prayer example:
God, I pray that you would give [child’s name] a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you. Bless their education, help them develop a love for learning and guard their mind against deception or confusion. May they take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
7. Pray for their purpose and calling
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
God has created each of our children with a unique purpose. Pray that they would discover and fulfill their God-given calling.
Prayer example:
Lord, you formed [child’s name] with purpose and called them by name. Help them discover the specific plans you have for their life. Give them courage to follow your leading, even when it might be difficult or different from what others expect. May their life bring glory to your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Praying through different seasons of childhood
Each stage of childhood brings unique challenges and opportunities for prayer. Here’s how to focus your prayers during different seasons:
Praying for babies and toddlers
During these formative years, focus on:
Physical health and development
Formation of secure attachment
Early spiritual impressions
Protection as they explore their world
Prayer point:Lord, as [child’s name] is developing and growing, I pray that you would form healthy neural pathways and strong physical development. May they feel secure in our love as a reflection of your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Praying for elementary-aged children
As your children enter school and expand their social circles, pray for:
Educational foundation
Formation of friendships
Development of character
Protection from negative influences
Spiritual curiosity and growth
Prayer point:Father, as [child’s name] spends more time under the influence of teachers and friends, I pray that your truth would be louder than any other voice in their life. Give them discernment beyond their years. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Praying for tweens and teens
The adolescent years bring significant change and challenge. Pray for:
Identity rooted in Christ
Wisdom in decision-making
Purity in thought and action
Courage to stand against peer pressure
Genuine faith that becomes their own
Prayer point:Holy Spirit, as [child’s name] is forming their identity, help them find it in Christ, not in achievements, appearance or acceptance. Guard their heart and mind during these years of change. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Praying for adult children
Our prayers don’t stop when our children grow up. For adult children, pray for:
Continued spiritual growth
Wisdom in major life decisions
God’s guidance in career and calling
Strong Christian marriages if they marry
Grace in parenting if they have children
Prayer point:Lord, even as [child’s name] is now making their own decisions, I pray that they would seek your wisdom and follow your guidance. May their adulthood be marked by growing closeness to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Making child-focused prayer a daily habit
Finding time to pray intentionally for our children can be challenging in the busy seasons of motherhood. Here are some practical ways to incorporate meaningful prayer into your daily routine:
Create or print prayer cards
Write each child’s name on an index card along with specific Scriptures and prayer points. Keep these cards in places you’ll see throughout the day—your Bible, bathroom mirror, car dashboard or kitchen window.
Morning wake-up: As you wake each child or see them for the first time in the morning, silently pray Numbers 6:24-26 over them.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Number 6:24-26 (NIV)
School drop-off: As your children exit the car or walk to the bus, pray for God’s protection over their day.
Meal preparation: While preparing food, pray that your children would hunger for God’s Word as in Psalm 1.
Bedtime: As you tuck them in, pray Psalm 91 protection over their sleep.
Establish daily prayer focuses
Assign a different focus area to each day of the week:
Monday: Character development
Tuesday: Education and mind
Wednesday: Friendships and relationships
Thursday: Protection and health
Friday: Future and purpose
Saturday: Specific challenges they’re facing
Sunday: Spiritual growth and relationship with God
Join with other moms in prayer
Consider starting or joining a moms’ prayer group where you can pray together for your children. There’s special power in agreeing together in prayer (Matthew 18:19-20).
Also, join the free private Facebook group, Christian Moms with Grace, to not only go deeper in this study but share prayers and praises with other moms.
Document your prayers, Scripture verses and how God answers over time. This becomes a powerful legacy you can give your children when they’re older.
When prayer feels unanswered
Sometimes our most fervent prayers for our children seem to go unanswered.
A child struggles with learning difficulties despite prayers for academic success.
A teenager walks away from faith despite years of spiritual nurturing.
A young adult makes decisions that bring pain and heartache.
In these difficult seasons, remember:
God’s timeline is different from ours. What seems like an unanswered prayer may still be in process. God is working even when we cannot see it.
Free will matters. God doesn’t override our children’s choices, but He continually works to draw them to Himself.
God’s ways are higher than ours. As Isaiah reminds us:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
Keep praying. The parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18 encourages us to pray and not give up.
A prayer for your children today
Let’s conclude with a prayer you can pray right now for your children:
Heavenly Father, I come before you today as [names of children]’s mother, acknowledging that these precious ones ultimately belong to you. Thank you for entrusting them to my care for this season. Lord, according to Psalm 91, I ask that you would command your angels to guard my children in all their ways. Protect them physically, emotionally and spiritually from any harm or danger. Father, I pray Proverbs 22:6 over their lives—help me to train them in the way they should go, according to Your purposes and their unique design. When they are old, may they not depart from it. Jesus, I echo your prayer in John 17 for my children—that they would be one with you as you are one with the Father. Draw them into such close relationship with you that nothing in this world could pull them away. According to Ephesians 1:17-19, I ask that you give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they may know you better. May the eyes of their hearts be enlightened so that they may know the hope to which you have called them. Lord, just as faith dwelled in Timothy’s family for generations, I pray that a sincere faith would take root in my children’s hearts and grow ever stronger. May they be like trees planted by streams of water as described in Psalm 1, yielding fruit in season, prospering in all they do for your kingdom. And Father, I pray the blessing of Numbers 6:24-26 over them: Lord, bless my children and keep them. Make your face shine upon them and be gracious to them. Turn your face toward them and give them peace. I surrender them to your perfect care and loving plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As a Christian mom, I most want my children to know and have a relationship with God. So from the beginning, I have found ways to make the Bible part of their lives.
It started with illustrated, simple children’s Bibles and has progressed from there. Now at 12 and 15, my son and daughter need something deeper.
Yet, I have learned in my own faith journey that simply reading the Bible to check it off my to-do list isn’t super beneficial. I need to really dig into the Word in order to get the most from it.
This is true for my children as well. As a tween and teen, they need their own way to grow in their faith through personal devotion time. This looks different for each child — and that’s perfectly fine.
My daughter loves her current teen Bible with devotionals, but she’s had it long enough to have gone through them. Finding something fresh and engaging for her is important.
When I heard about “The Message Student Devotional Bible,” I had to check it out.
And, even better, I have a chance for you to get your own FREE copy of the Psalms portion of this Bible as well. You’ll find a button at the bottom of this post to get you right to it.
Affiliate links are used in this post, if you make a qualifying purchase via my link, I receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. It helps support my blog, so thank you for your support! Read my full disclosure here.
I received a partial copy of “The Message Student Devotional Bible” at no charge in exchange for providing a teen Bible devotional review and social media posts about it. All opinions, however, are completely my own and not influenced by the free copy.
What is a devotional Bible?
Let’s start with talking about what a devotional Bible actually is. There are different options for Bible study and devotionals. One is a stand-alone devotional like this free 7-day “Finding Grace at Home” family devotional.
And the other option is a Bible with devotionals included and interwoven throughout. “The Message Student Devotional Bible” falls into this category.
While it includes the full text of the Bible in The Message translation, it has a devotional every few pages to help students go deeper.
What I love is the devotionals are concise and bite-sized. Just a few sentences long, each devotional is impactful while also fitting in with the time constraints (and attention spans!) of teens. Three reflection questions go along with each devotional.
Having worked with my daughter a couple of years ago on writing a mother-and-daughter shared journal, “Connecting with Grace,” I learned to spot the typical Sunday School-type questions. When I added those in for our journal, she was quick to call me out.
Sunday School is by no means wrong. I’m all for small group meeting to get into the Word! But, teens know these types of questions. They don’t go as deep or get as personal. Today’s teens crave sincerity and honesty more than ever.
The questions in this devotional Bible for students are spot-on with addressing topics and ideas that really matter in daily life without sounding too much like your favorite Sunday School teacher from second grade.
This makes sense because the devotional content comes from a variety of youth ministry professionals who know how to connect well with teens.
Why use The Message version?
In English alone, we have 450 versions of the Bible. That’s a lot! Many folks have their favorite. The Message is one of the more contemporary versions.
In its original text, the Bible was written in words that everyday people could easily understand. It was never meant to be a book that only intellectual scholars can read and understand.
Yet, one of the struggles with early translations is the words, phrases and metaphorical concepts that were easy for the average person to understand years ago are not as understandable today.
Contemporary translations, such as The Message, have been carefully researched and worked on to use modern words and phrases to convey the same message. This makes it easier for people today to understand.
Most teens are relatively new to devotionals and Bible study — just for the sheer fact of their limited age and life experience. Using a translation that makes it even easier for them to understand seems like a great starting point.
How to use “The Message Student Devotional Bible”
Right from the beginning, “The Message Student Devotional Bible” presents the Bible itself takes the main focus over everything else.
“If you skip all the parts we created and read only the Bible stuff, we’ll still be very, very happy about it. That’s first and foremost. Our additional words are not the living Word of God; the Bible is.”
Of course, “The Message Student Devotional Bible” can be used as merely a reading source, but it goes much deeper with guides and plenty of additional content for students.
Each section and each book have a short introduction for context about time, place and author.
Every few pages is a short devotion that gets to the heart of the matter and presents three reflection and life application questions. There are 320 of these throughout the entire Bible and 26 included in the Psalms portion of it alone.
“The Message Student Devotional Bible” is also sprinkled throughout with 30 character studies of key players. Because, the Bible is full of all kinds of interesting people whose stories reflect God’s love played out in their lives.
Another great features of this devotional Bible is the large margins on each page that are perfect for making notes. (Personally, I love a devotional book or Bible with space to write so I don’t have to keep track of the book and a separate notebook.)
Where to get “The Message Student Devotional Bible”
The full version will be released by NavPress in the spring of 2026; however, the Psalms portion is available for purchase right now and is what I received.
You can purchase it around $10 at most book retailers — or you can grab a FREE copy of it here:
Transform your relationship through the power of prayer
Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
In marriage, those three strands represent you, your husband and God—woven together to create something stronger than any of you could be alone.
Yet as moms, we know the reality: between the chaos of raising children, managing households and balancing work and family responsibilities, our marriages often receive whatever energy we have left at the end of the day—which sometimes isn’t much at all.
This week, as we begin our prayer journey together, we’re focusing on one of the most important relationships in your life: your marriage. Praying for your marriage has the power to transform your relationship with your spouse in ways you might never have imagined.
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the link to download the free study guide, reflection questions, reading plan, prayer prompts and more for the week.
Why pray for your marriage?
Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. Maintaining a healthy marriage is a struggle in modern culture, and Christian marriages are not immune. The stresses of parenting, financial pressures and simply navigating life together can strain even the strongest relationships.
Prayer creates a spiritual foundation to help us weather these storms together. When we pray for our marriages, we’re inviting God—the very creator of marriage—to be active in our relationship.
Scripture-based prayers for marriage are a great place to start, like this verse in Philippians:
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.”
Philippians 1:9 (NIV)
Isn’t that exactly what we want in our marriages? Love that continues to grow deeper and richer through the years?
Starting with your heart
The most powerful prayers for your marriage often begin not with requests about your husband, but with an honest look at your own heart. In Psalm 19:14, David prays:
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Before we can effectively pray for our marriages, we need to examine our own attitudes, expectations and areas where we might need growth. Here are some heart-centered prayers to consider:
Prayer for a gentle spirit
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 16:1 (NIV)
Lord, help my words be gentle and life-giving in our home. When I’m tired or frustrated, remind me that a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Give me the strength to respond rather than react, especially when tensions are high. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for forgiveness
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Father, show me areas where I’m holding onto resentment or keeping score in my marriage. Help me embrace the truth that love covers over a multitude of sins. Give me a heart that is quick to forgive and slow to harbor bitterness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for patience
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
God, in moments of frustration, help me remember that love is patient. Give me the grace to extend to my husband the same patience you so generously give to me every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Praying for your husband
Once we’ve examined our own hearts, we can turn our prayers toward our husbands. Not with a critical spirit of “fix him, Lord,” but with genuine love and desire for God’s best in his life.
Ephesians 5:25 reminds us that husbands are called to “love [their] wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This is an incredibly high standard—one that requires God’s help to fulfill. Here are some specific ways to pray for your husband:
Prayer for his relationship with God
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Psalm 145:18 (NIV)
Lord, draw my husband’s heart closer to you. May he hunger for your Word and seek your presence daily. Help him find his identity and worth in you rather than in his work or achievements. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for his leadership
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Father, give my husband wisdom as he leads our family. Help him make decisions that honor you. When he feels inadequate or overwhelmed, remind him that your strength is made perfect in weakness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for his work
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
God, bless the work of my husband’s hands. Give him favor in his workplace and integrity in all his dealings. Help him find the right balance between providing for our family and being present with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for his protection
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Lord, protect my husband physically, spiritually and emotionally. Guard his mind from temptation and his heart from discouragement. Surround him with Godly influences that will strengthen his faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Praying together: The ultimate marriage prayer
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James 1:5 (NIV)
Praying together as a couple takes wisdom and practice. Though it may feel awkward at first, praying together is a great tool for building a God-centered marriage.
Couples who pray together report greater intimacy, better communication and stronger overall relationships.
Here are some practical ways to begin praying together, even if you’ve never done it before:
Start small
Begin with just 1-2 minutes of prayer together before bed. Keep it simple—thank God for one blessing from the day and ask for His help with one concern.
Hold hands
Physical touch during prayer creates both physical and spiritual connection.
Use written prayers
If praying aloud feels uncomfortable, try reading a Psalm together or using the Biblical prayers for a healthy marriage below as a starting point.
Pray specifically
Rather than general prayers like “bless our marriage,” pray about specific situations: an upcoming decision, a challenging parenting issue or a work stress.
Be patient
Remember that developing a prayer habit takes time. If your husband is reluctant, don’t pressure him—simply invite him occasionally and pray that God would make it a natural part of your relationship over time.
When marriage is hard: Prayers for difficult seasons
Genesis 2:18 reminds us that God created marriage because “it is not good for the man to be alone.” Yet even with this divine design, every marriage goes through difficult seasons. During these times, prayer becomes not just important but essential.
If you’re going through a challenging period in your marriage, here are some specific prayers that can help:
Prayer for communication
God, when words fail or hurt, help us find better ways to communicate. Bring understanding where there is confusion and patience where there is frustration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for healing
Lord, you are the great Healer. Where there are wounds in our relationship, bring your healing touch. Help us extend grace to each other as you have extended grace to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for unity
Father, in areas where we disagree, help us remember that we are on the same team. As Colossians 3:14 reminds us, help us “put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for perspective
God, when problems feel overwhelming, help us see them through your eyes. Remind us that this is just one season, and that you are working even when we cannot see it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Practical ways to praying for your marriage a habit
Like any spiritual discipline, praying for your marriage is most effective when it becomes a consistent habit. Here are some practical ways to incorporate marriage prayer into your busy mom life:
Create prayer triggers
Designate certain daily activities as reminders to pray for your marriage. For example, pray for your husband every time you wash dishes or fold his laundry.
Use visual reminders
Keep a small photo of the two of you in your Bible or on your nightstand as a prayer prompt.
Set aside sacred time
Even five minutes of focused prayer for your marriage each day can make a difference. Consider setting an alarm on your phone to remind you.
Keep a marriage prayer journal
Write down specific prayers for your marriage and date them. Leave space to record how God answers these prayers over time.
Pray Scripture
Choose one verse about love or marriage each week (like those in our reading plan) and pray that specific verse over your relationship daily.
Remember: Prayer changes you first
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
As you embark on this journey of praying for your marriage, remember that often the first person God changes through prayer is you. You may begin praying for changes in your husband or relationship, but don’t be surprised when God begins to transform your own heart, expectations and attitudes.
As you pray, God shapes not just your words but the very meditations of your heart.
A prayer for your marriage today
Let’s end with a prayer you can pray right now for your marriage:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of marriage and for my husband. Thank you for bringing us together and for your presence in our relationship. Lord, I lift my marriage to you today. Strengthen our bond, deepen our love and help us to reflect your love to each other and our children. Show me how to love and respect my husband in ways that honor you. Where there are hurts, bring healing. Where there is distance, bring closeness. Where there is misunderstanding, bring clarity. Help us to be quick to forgive and slow to anger. Remind us daily that our marriage is not just about our happiness but about our holiness—about becoming more like you through the journey of loving each other. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Praying through the busy: Simple steps for moms to deepen faith and family bonds
Have you ever found yourself whispering desperate prayers while hiding in the bathroom for just three minutes of peace?
Or perhaps you’ve offered silent pleas for patience while your toddler has their third meltdown of the morning?
As moms, our prayer lives often look different than we imagined they would. Between the endless laundry, school projects and bedtime routines, finding uninterrupted time with God can seem impossible.
But what if I told you that prayer doesn’t have to be another item on your to-do list? What if connecting with God could become the very foundation that helps you navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood?
Introducing our FREE study: Praying Through the Busy
“Praying Through the Busy” – a free 31-day prayer Bible study and reading plan designed specifically for busy mamas like you.
Prayer isn’t just something we do; it’s a lifeline that connects us to the source of all strength, wisdom and peace. And as mothers, we need that connection more than ever.
Throughout this month-long journey, we’ll explore what Scripture teaches about prayer and discover practical ways to incorporate meaningful prayer into our daily lives – even in the midst of sippy cups, soccer practice and sleepless nights.
What to Expect Each Week
Our study is divided into four powerful focus areas:
Week 1: Praying for Your Marriage
Discover how prayer can transform your relationship with your spouse and create a foundation of spiritual intimacy in your home.
Week 2: Praying for Your Children
Learn to cover your children in powerful, Scripture-based prayers that will impact their lives today and for generations to come.
Week 3: Teaching Your Children to Pray
Explore practical ways to nurture a love for prayer in your children’s hearts and establish meaningful family prayer routines.
Week 4: Praying for Yourself
Embrace the truth that caring for your own spiritual health isn’t selfish – it’s essential for being the mom God has called you to be.
Each day includes a Scripture reading, a brief prayer prompt and a simple action step to help you apply what you’re learning. Our weekly reflection questions will deepen your understanding and help you grow in your prayer journey.
Finding time to pray in the midst of motherhood
I know. You’re probably asking yourself how you’re going to find time to pray when you don’t even have time to complete a full thought.
Let me be the first to assure you: God understands your season of life. He created motherhood, and He knows exactly what your days look like.
Prayer doesn’t require an hour of uninterrupted silence (though wouldn’t that be nice sometimes?). Instead, it can be woven into the fabric of your everyday moments:
Morning Moments: Keep your Bible or a prayer journal by your bed and spend just five minutes reading and praying before your feet (or theirs!) hit the floor.
Kitchen Prayers: Turn meal prep into prayer time by praying for specific family members while you cook.
Laundry Liturgies: Use folding laundry as a prompt to pray for the person whose clothes you’re folding.
Car Line Conversations: Use school pickup lines or sports practice waits to have quiet conversations with God.
Nighttime Whispers: End your day with a simple prayer of gratitude, even if it’s as you’re falling asleep.
Make Hygiene Habits: When you’re in the shower or brushing your teeth, these can be great times to remember to pray because you aren’t as likely to be interrupted.
God hears every prayer, whether it’s a day-long conversation or a desperate “Help me, Lord” in the grocery store when your toddler is having a meltdown and your teenager just texted asking for a last-minute project supply.
The power of praying Scripture
One of the most transformative prayer practices we’ll explore this month is praying God’s Word back to Him. When we use Scripture as the foundation for our prayers, several amazing things happen:
1. We align our hearts with God’s will. When we pray Scripture, we’re praying God’s perfect will back to Him.
2.We find words when we have none. On those days when you’re too exhausted or overwhelmed to form your own prayers, Scripture provides the words.
3.We build our faith. Praying God’s promises reminds us of His faithfulness and builds our confidence in His character.
4.We teach our children the power of God’s Word. When they hear us praying Scripture, they learn that the Bible is living and active.
Throughout our study, I’ll share simple ways to incorporate Scripture into your prayers for your marriage, your children and yourself.
You don’t have to be a prayer warrior to join
Can I let you in on a secret? I haven’t always had a consistent prayer life.
There have been seasons when my prayers were little more than desperate “Help me, God” moments scattered throughout the day.
But God has shown me that He meets us exactly where we are. He doesn’t expect perfect prayers or flowery language. He simply wants our hearts.
This study isn’t about becoming a “super-spiritual mom” who prays for hours daily. It’s about connecting with the God who loves you and learning to include Him in every aspect of your life.
Join this life-changing journey
Let’s embark on this prayer journey together. Each week will include for free:
A Bible reading plan with one to three verses per day tailored to busy moms
Weekly mini challenges to apply what you’re learning
Short, daily prayer prompts to keep you connected to God
Engaging blog posts and weekly videos to explore each week’s theme in greater depth
With this study, I’m also offering a premium version that includes everything in the free version plus:
Everything in the free version—available in one convenient downloadable format
Longer devotions offering deeper insights and reflections
Detailed prayer prompts tailored to strengthen your marriage, nurture your children and support your personal growth
Printable journal pages for personal reflection and gratitude
Inspiring Scripture and prayer cards to carry with you or share with loved ones
Practical weekly life application guides to help you integrate prayer into your daily routines
This enhanced edition is perfect for moms looking to deepen their connection with God and explore powerful, Scripture-based prayers for themselves and their families.
Make sure to visit this page to find the links to everything. I can’t wait to go on this journey together!
Join our private Facebook group
And to get even more from the study, make sure you check out and join the private Facebook group, Christian Moms with Grace.
Throughout the month of May 2025, we’ll be having discussions related to this study and a Zoom call to bring it all together.
“’I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’”
John 16:33 (NIV)
Sometimes we have phases in life that feel like we’re playing “Whack-a-Mole.” You know, that carnival game where you have to keep “whacking” moles as they pop up – and they keep popping up.
Life gets like that sometimes. Maybe oftentimes, really. One problem is barely resolved before another one pops up.
Occasionally, multiple moles pop up all at once. It gets overwhelming. The car breaks down. The dishwasher leaks. The whole family gets a stomach bug. An unexpected bill arrives in the mail.
The list goes on. We have trouble in this world. It seems as if nothing is ever easy, doesn’t it?
But, this verse reminds us of a truth we can cling to for hope when we are busy whacking one mole/problem after another: Jesus has the victory.
He died on the cross for our sins. He loves us beyond compare.
In the end, we’ll be with Him and all of our troubles will fade away. That is something to put our hope and faith in today!
Prayer:
Dear God, life is hard and full of trouble. I thank you and praise you that you have overcome the world. Remind me that you are in control. Fill me with the hope and assurance that you are always with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A devotional for moms who struggle to surrender control
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’”
Hebrews 13:6 (NIV)
Preschoolers tend to go through a phase of wanting to help with everything. For example, when my kiddos were that age and I was baking something, they usually wanted to help.
But, if I’m honest, their “help” usually was less than helpful. It made the task longer and messier.
Sometimes I think I do that with God. I see a situation or problem and act like a preschooler, “I’ll help!”
Then I make a bigger mess and the process takes longer than intended. I’m thankful God has way more patience that I do.
I’m also thankful that when He is our helper, He is truly helpful. In fact, He is the best helper. Not only does He love us so completely but He knows the future and knows what we need, even when it’s different from what we want.
All too often we forget that. We try to be like a preschooler and insist on doing things our way. We want to be independent and solve problems.
Just like my kids would often find in our baking endeavors, however, we need someone in charge who sees the big picture and can help us get through it.
If I left my preschool children in charge of baking on their own, it wouldn’t have turned out well. With my help, we created all sorts of yummy from homemade granola to delectable brownies.
Let’s take a step back and remember to let God help us rather than us try to help Him. Then we can enjoy the delicious fruit of our labor in full.
Prayer:
Dear God, please forgive me for trying to take matters into my own hands instead of trusting you. I ask that you help me in every part of my life. Open my eyes to see where I’m trying to hold onto control and help me give control to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
You know how when you are exhausted with a newborn or toddler and someone looks at you and says something like, “You’re going to miss this”? That always made me want to smack them. (And the Holy Spirit kept me in check to just give them a wry smile instead of a wallop.)
But – and it pains me to say this – this sentiment is pretty true. I do miss some parts of motherhood to babies and toddlers. I miss the version of themselves that my kids were back then even while enjoying the version of themselves they are right now.
However, I don’t miss everything. I remember the struggles and exhaustion. I’m OK with letting those slip into the past.
Through every single phase of motherhood, I have had moments of pure enjoyment and moments of pure stress. Yet in all times and every way, God has also been right there with me.
I remember talking to Him and pleading for help to get my baby boy to sleep because I was so utterly exhausted I couldn’t go on. I also remember praising Him for that same baby boy giving me his first smiles.
Sometimes in the fray of motherhood, it can be hard to see and feel the peace of God. In fact, sometimes we long for literal peace.
I do know, however, that one day I’ll miss this phase of parenthood just like I sometimes miss the others that have come before. Our children and parenting them is constantly changing.
Our Heavenly Father, though, is constantly faithful and true. In the midst of whatever phase we find ourselves in right now, we can trust He is with us.
Prayer:
Dear God, help me to see you in the phase of motherhood I’m in right now. Give me presence of mind to really soak in and be present in this stage of my children’s lives. Fill me with your peace when I get overwhelmed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
