How to embrace God’s gift of rest without guilt, even in the midst of motherhood’s demands

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Let me guess. You’re reading this while folding laundry, waiting in the school pickup line or stealing a quiet moment after everyone’s finally asleep.

I see you, mama. You’re tired. You’re carrying heavy burdens. I am you!

And somewhere deep down, you’re probably wondering if true rest is even possible in this season of motherhood.

The good news? God’s invitation to rest isn’t just for women without children or those in easier seasons of life. It’s for you, right here, right now — even in the beautiful chaos of raising little ones and managing busy lives.

God’s heart for rest: more than just a good idea

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

Genesis 2:2-3 (NIV)

When we look at Bible verses about rest, we quickly discover rest isn’t just a nice suggestion from God; it’s woven into the very fabric of how He created us to live. From the very beginning, God established a rhythm of work and rest.

Notice that God didn’t rest because He was tired. He rested to establish a pattern for us. The Sabbath Day was always meant to be a gift, not a burden. 

Even before sin entered the world, God knew we would need regular rhythms of rest to thrive.

We need to get past the idea that rest is just for our own pleasure. The truth is, I’m a better mom when I am rested — physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

But sometimes, I struggle with the importance of rest. I love a to-do list. Checking off tasks makes me happy.

Add in the pressures and responsibilities of motherhood, marriage and working for myself and the concept of rest gets thrown out the window.

Usually during these times, I’m cranky. I get grumpy with my children and my husband — the very people I want to love most and treat the best.

My husband will often gently call me on this and encourage me to find a quiet place to just be still and rejuvenate my soul. 

Sometimes it means he takes over kid duty completely (especially when they were little). Sometimes he just tells the kids I’m taking down time and leaves me in my bedroom with my book for an hour.

I always emerge from this resting place refilled and happier. Having a full day of rest is hard, yet smaller moments can make such a big difference.

Jesus’ invitation: Rest for weary souls

One of the most comforting Bible verses about rest comes directly from Jesus Himself:

“‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.'”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

We moms know what carrying heavy burdens feels like. The mental load of remembering everyone’s schedules, the emotional weight of your children’s struggles, the physical exhaustion of caring for everyone else’s needs — it’s overwhelming.

But Jesus offers something different: ultimate rest. He doesn’t just offer physical rest (though that’s important, too).

He offers rest for your soul. This is the kind of deep, spiritual rest that comes from knowing you don’t have to carry everything alone.

The peace of God that Jesus offers isn’t dependent on having a perfect schedule or getting eight hours of restful sleep. 

It’s available right in the middle of the mess, in the quiet moments when you remember that He is carrying you.

Resting in God’s presence: Finding quiet in the chaos

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)

King David, the author of these words, understood what it meant to find rest in God’s presence, even in difficult circumstances.

Notice the imagery here—green pastures and quiet waters. But here’s what I’ve learned: God can create those green pastures and quiet waters in your heart even when your house is loud and your day is full.

The truth is, I’ve found Sabbath rest in the quiet waters of the shower when I have a few moments to really connect with God. I’ve gotten true peace while driving to school pickup and singing along to praise music.

Sometimes resting in God’s presence looks like:

• Whispering a prayer while you’re washing dishes
• Taking three deep breaths and remembering He is with you during a toddler meltdown
• Reading one verse on your phone while your coffee gets cold (again)
• Choosing to see His provision in the small moments throughout your day

“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.'”

Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)

Our strength doesn’t come from doing more or trying harder. It comes from turning to God and trusting Him with our busy lives.

Rest from worry and fear: Casting your anxieties

One of the biggest barriers to rest for lots of us mamas is anxiety. We worry about our children’s safety, their future, whether we’re doing enough, whether we’re messing them up. 

But God’s Word has so much to say about finding rest from these anxious thoughts, like the following Bible verses:

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

“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)

The peace of God isn’t something we have to manufacture or work up. It’s a gift that comes when we choose to bring our worries to Him instead of carrying them alone. 

When your mind spirals with “what-ifs” about your children or your family, these Bible verses about rest can anchor your thoughts in truth.

A few years ago, I was spiraling out of control in my mind over my house. It sounds silly in the midst of all of life’s storms, but we were trying to sell our house and one thing after another stopped us.

I knew it was God’s will, and I trusted our Lord God had a better and different plan. Yet, my mind couldn’t stop seeing all the shortcomings in my home.

I was no longer content in a place where I spent the vast majority of my time. When my own ways of managing this anxiety didn’t work, I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to thank God for this.

So I started saying a short prayer of thanks to God for keeping us where we needed to be every time my anxiety reared its head. At first, I was kind of resentful with my thanks, but it wasn’t long until I was sincere.

​When we are thankful, our soul finds peace in God and anxiety has to flee.

Perfect peace comes not from having everything under control, but from keeping our minds focused on Him:

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

Resting from striving and perfectionism

We also need rest from always striving. As moms, we struggle with feeling like we need to do it all perfectly. Social media doesn’t help—it’s easy to compare our messy reality with everyone else’s highlight reel. 

But God calls us to rest from striving and perfectionism.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

This verse isn’t just about salvation—it’s about how we live every day. We don’t have to earn God’s love through perfect parenting or flawless housekeeping. His love for us isn’t based on our performance.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”

Psalm 127:1a (NIV)

Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is acknowledge our limitations and rest in God’s strength instead of our own. When we try to “do it all,” we often rob ourselves of the peace God wants to give us.

A few weeks ago, I was in the middle of an unrested, overworked, striving-for-perfection moment. I got passive aggressive about having to do everything around my house.

My daughter piped up and reminded me that if I needed help, then I just needed to ask for it.

It seems simple, but so often we try to take everything on our shoulders, which we were never meant to do. Asking for help from your immediate family, friends, extended family or even someone you pay for services is OK. It doesn’t make you a failure.

In fact, it means you’re honoring God’s plan for your life and recognizing your God-given need for rest.

God’s strength in our weakness

One of my favorite Bible verses about rest speaks directly to those moments when we feel completely depleted:

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 40:29-31 (NIV)

The Creator of the ends of the earth—the everlasting God who never grows tired—promises to give His strength to weary souls like us.

You don’t have to wait until you feel strong to serve your family well. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

“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)

In spite of what hustle culture and social media tell us about going nonstop, we must learn the value of rest as God created it for us. Lay your burdens down with Him, and give yourself grace when you cannot do all the things. You were never meant to!

​Living a lifestyle of rest: Practical steps

So how do we actually live this out in the middle of busy lives? How do we move from reading about rest to actually experiencing it?

Here are some practical ways to embrace God’s invitation to rest:

Redefine what rest looks like right now

Rest in this season of motherhood might not look like a whole day with your feet up reading a book. Sometimes rest looks like ordering pizza for dinner and watching a movie with your family. 

Sometimes it’s locking yourself in the bathroom for five minutes to pray and regroup. (Been there, done that on both fronts!)

Think about what brings you life and peace in small doses. Maybe it’s painting your nails after the kids are in bed, sitting on your front porch watching the sunset or listening to worship music while you cook dinner.

Find small pockets of rest throughout your day

Most of us can’t manage an entire Sabbath of solemn rest, but we can find small moments throughout our day. Look for those quiet moments.

Maybe while you’re waiting in the car, during naptime (if your kids still nap!) or in those few minutes before everyone else wakes up.

I’ve learned that being intentional about what I do during these small pockets of time makes a huge difference. Instead of mindlessly scrolling social media, I might read a devotional, listen to a worship song, read a book or simply sit quietly and reflect.

Create boundaries that protect your rest

Jesus himself set boundaries. He often withdrew from the crowds to pray and rest. Setting limits isn’t selfish — it’s necessary for sustainable ministry to our families.

This might mean saying no to good opportunities that would overwhelm your schedule or setting realistic expectations for what you can accomplish in a day. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

We’ve set different boundaries at different stages of our children’s lives to protect their rest and ours. For example, in elementary school, each was only allowed to do one recurring extracurricular activity at a time. 

Now they are older as a tween and teen, so they have a few more activities. But ours has intentionally never been a family who is constantly go-go-going everywhere.

Embrace the tried-and-true

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'”

Jeremiah 6:16a (NIV)

Sometimes finding rest means getting back to basics of the tried-and-true paths God’s people have walked for generations. Regular prayer, reading God’s Word, keeping Sabbath rhythms (even if imperfectly) and gathering with other believers aren’t just religious activities—they’re pathways to the soul rest Jesus promised.

So many times I’ve been restored just by maintaining these habits to help me connect with God and find a place of rest for even a few minutes.

Rest as an act of faith

Choosing to rest — especially when there’s always more to do — is actually an act of faith.

It’s saying, “I trust that God is big enough to handle what I can’t get done today.” It’s acknowledging that the world doesn’t depend on our constant productivity.

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.”

Psalm 127:2 (NIV)

God wants to grant you beloved sleep and soul rest, not because you’ve earned it, but because He loves you. Rest isn’t a reward.

A gentle reminder: You’re not failing

If you’re reading this and feeling guilty about how little rest you actually get or how hard it is to find quiet moments with God, please hear this: you’re not failing.

Motherhood is hard. Some seasons are harder than others. 

God sees your heart, your desire to know Him better and your love for your family.

Start small. Choose one Bible verse about rest to meditate on this week. Look for one small pocket of time to connect with God. Ask Him to help you see opportunities for rest that you might be missing.

Remember, the Lord of peace Himself wants to give you peace at all times and in every way. This isn’t about adding another item to your to-do list. It’s about receiving the gift of rest that God offers.

“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)

Your next step: A month of rest

If this resonates with your heart and you’d like some guidance in making rest a more regular part of your routine, I’ve created a free reading plan focused on finding rest in God.

It includes Bible verses and reflection questions designed specifically for busy moms who need encouragement to slow down and receive God’s gift of rest.

Each week focuses on a different aspect of rest—from receiving God’s invitation to rest, to learning to abide in His presence, to letting go of worry and striving.

You can access it here.

Final thoughts: Rest is holy

Let me leave you with this truth: rest is holy, and you are invited. Not because you’ve earned it, but because you are deeply loved by the Creator of the ends of the earth who never grows weary.

In your busy life, in the middle of all the beautiful chaos of motherhood, God is calling you to come away with Him — even just for a few minutes. He wants to restore your soul, give you His perfect peace and remind you that you don’t have to carry it all alone.

So take a deep breath, mama. Let go of the guilt about that undone laundry or the imperfect dinner plan. God’s rest is available to you right here, right now. You just need to receive it.

7 Bible verse prayers for moms

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.

(Check out these 5 ways that moms can find downtime.)

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.

Pray out loud

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.

Find more tips and Scripture prayers in the free “Praying Through the Busy” Bible study:

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.

Another easy way to help children (and adults) with praying out loud is by using prayer prompts. Download a list of free prayer prompts here!

(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.

(Download a free prayer coloring page here!)

4. Doubts, questions and eye-rolls

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.

(Download a free, premade version of the 5-Finger Prayer Method here.)

Make a gratitude jar to celebrate God’s goodness

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.

You can use a simple notebook or download this free prayer journal page. Keep it simple with three sections: requests, answers and praises.

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.

(Download a prayer board page and labels in this week’s premium bundle!)

Make prayer envelopes

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.

Find more tips and Scripture prayers in the free “Praying Through the Busy” Bible study:

Covering their lives with God’s truth

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)

David prayed Solomon would have wisdom, success and devotion to God. (1 Chronicles 22:11-13; Psalm 72)

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.

These 14 prayers to pray for your children also work well.

Pray during routine moments

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.

Create a prayer journal for each child

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.

Find more tips and Scripture prayers in the free “Praying Through the Busy” Bible study:

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.

Find all the related posts, videos and resources for the “Praying Through the Busy” Bible study by clicking the image below:

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.

Find all of our free Bible studies for moms here!