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Pocket Payers for Moms

40 Simple Prayers that Bring Peace and Rest

Thomas Nelson

Prayers for Time and Peace

1

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Father, you are wise and all-knowing. You allow all things to happen in your perfect timing.

Please give me peace in the midst of a busy season with my family. I feel pulled in so many directions by my kids' needs, my husband's requests, and my life.

Surround my family in this time. May your peace bring us all peace, and may you create a calm environment in our home.

Thank you that you have gone before us in this hectic time and for bringing order to the chaos when we need it most. Thank you for giving me time to hug my kids and show them what a precious gift they are to me.

In Jesus' name, amen.

2

The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.

Psalm 29:11

God, you are my strength during the hard times. Your grace is sufficient for me, and your power is made perfect in my weakness.

Today I feel spread thin and overcommitted. I don't have the strength in me to do what needs to be done. Give me the energy I need just for today. Give me time for rest and rejuvenation.

Protect my family as we run from one activity to the next. May my attitude be joyful, and may theirs be calm.

Thank you for going before our day and for your love and strength that sustain us.

In your Son's name I pray, amen.

3

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Isaiah 26:3

Dear God, your ways are perfect. Your will is good. You deserve all praise.

You have promised perfect peace to those who focus on you. Help me to keep my thoughts on you. When I rush ahead to the next plan or responsibility, bring me back to you and your goodness.

Help my children to fix their eyes on you when they experience fear or anxiety. Show them who you are, and grow their trust in you.

I am grateful for the gift of peace we have in you. Thank you for the example of faith that I see in my children's lives.

In your precious name I pray, amen.

4

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Father, you are above time. You know what will happen before it happens. You are the creator and ruler of all.

Steady my heart today as I make to-do lists. Direct my steps. Do not let me be overcome by anxiety and fear.

Direct the steps of my family today as well. Show them that your way truly is the best way, and give them a desire to do your will.

Thank you for your steadfast love. Thank you for giving me time to play with my children and for the joy that it brings to us all. I'm so grateful for their laughter and hugs.

In your name I pray, amen.

5

For the kingdom of God is ... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God.

Romans 14:17-18

My father in heaven, only you deserve all glory and praise. You are my source of joy, peace, and love.

I so often make my own schedule and try to be the ruler of my calendar. Point me toward the things that please you. I want to draw near to you, God, and to do what is right in your eyes.

May my children serve you today. Do not let distractions or the Enemy get in the way of their focus on you.

I am so grateful that I am not in charge of my own life. Thank you for your constant guidance.

In Jesus' name, amen.

6

So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

Heavenly Father, only you know the number of my days. In your infinite wisdom you have a plan for each of your children, including me and my children.

In this busy season remind me to live each day as if it's my last. Don't let me take a single moment for granted. May each of my actions be intentional during this time.

Be with my children today, Lord. Do not let them coast through this life, but instead give them an excitement for it and a deep joy that comes from you.

Thank you for caring about us and how we spend each day here on earth.

In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

7

Commit your works to the Lord, and jour thoughts will be established.

Proverbs 16:3

God, you are a God who listens to his people. You hear when we call on you, and you don't ignore us.

Steady my thoughts today. My life feels so busy, and I have not had time to slow down. My mind is racing. Help me be focused in this moment.

Protect my kids' thoughts today. Do not let them be filled with worry or fear but rather with your love and assurance.

Thank you for listening to me when I speak and for the confidence that your love gives me and my family.

In the precious name of your Son, I pray, amen.

Prayers for Protection and Surrender

8

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Father in heaven, you cast out all fear with your perfect love. I am amazed by the perfect peace you bring to me.

Today I am worried about my children. Temptations surround them at school, with friends, online. Sometimes I feel helpless. Give me wisdom, and help me release them confidently to your care.

Protect my children today while they go about their activities. Protect them from evil and temptation. Hold them in your hands.

Thank you that even when I fear, I can trust in you. Thank you that I can rest in you.

In Jesus' name, amen.

9

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, 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

Dear God, you hold the entire world in your hands. There is no limit to your strength and power.

Be with me when I feel the weight of my children's struggles. Lift that burden from my shoulders.

And lift that burden from them too. Give my family strength to face the difficult times and hope even when the darkness feels overwhelming.

I'm especially thankful for the wisdom of older women who have walked this path before me. Their insights help point me to you in every circumstance. Thank you for placing mentors in my life who lift me up.

In your powerful name I pray, amen.

10

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed.

1 Peter 3:13-14

Father, no evil can defeat you. No problem is too big for you. You see and know all.

Help me today, Lord. It is hard to let go of worry and fear for my kids. I am afraid of what could happen to them. Give me peace when anxiety surfaces.

Keep the evil one far from my loved ones today. Do not let him take a single ounce of joy or happiness from them.

Thank you for my suffering, for I know even in suffering that you are drawing me closer to you.

In Jesus' name, amen.

11

And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today."

Exodus 14:13

God, you are a mighty warrior. You fight battles every day that I cannot see, and you are always victorious.

I need you to fight for me today. I feel weak, and I doubt when I know I should trust. I need faith that my family will be taken care of. The troubles we face seem so dark. Overcome my fear with your victory.

Fight for my family today, Father. When they feel sad or afraid or believe the problem is too big, show them how you will overcome.

Thank you that the battles belong to you, for you are capable and I am not.

In your name I pray this, amen.

12

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.

Nahum 1:7

Father, you are good. You are righteous, and you are worthy.

Help me when I doubt your goodness. Having children makes me aware of all the evil in the world, and it makes me afraid for my kids. Teach me how to trust in your unfailing goodness.

Be a stronghold for my family in times of trouble. Lift them up, and teach them to depend on your strength and not their own.

Thank you for being a steady rock and strong foundation for each of us today.

In the name of Jesus, who is my refuge, amen.

13

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Dear God, you are bigger than my problems, worries, and fears. You are stronger than anything that could come against me or my family.

Give me strength today, Father. It feels as if everyone in my family is going through a hard time right now. Remind me that I am not forsaken and that you are on my side.

Remind my family of your promise that even when hard times come, they will not be destroyed. Even when they feel persecuted, you are with them.

Thank you that you walk beside me through every trial I face and have promised to bring me through it.

In Christ's name, amen.

14

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

2 THESSALONIANS 3:3

My Father in heaven, you are the beginning and the end. You have gone before me and provided for me in all ways.

Lord, I am concerned for my children as they grow older. Each year brings new challenges, and I can't always protect them. Release me from fear, and show me how to surrender them to you daily.

Be with my kids at school today. Be in their conversations and interactions with their friends and classmates.

Thank you for your faithfulness. You never leave us. You never forsake us.

In your name I pray, amen.

Prayers for Guidance and Clarity

15

God is not the author of confusion but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33

Father, your love is perfect, and your ways are perfect. I cannot begin to understand the depths of your love and wisdom.

Help me to be wise. As my family needs to make decisions, give me clarity and peace. You are not a God of confusion, so I want to hear your voice alone.

Please bring peace to my children as they make choices. Keep them far from confused thoughts and close to your perfect peace.

Thank you for direction and guidance. You always provide for us.

In the name of my true Provider, amen.

16

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:27

Dear Father, you are righteous and worthy of my praise. You are the one true God, and I am in awe of you.

Sometimes I struggle with how to parent my children. They need discipline, and they need love, and I don't always know how to balance those things. Show me the way in this.

Be with my children when they fight and disagree. Give them a godly love for one another and deeper understanding and appreciation for our family.

Thank you for the unexpected delights of motherhood. Thank you for morning snuggles and evening laughter and for being with us throughout the day.

In Jesus' name, amen.

17

Be strong and of good courage ... do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God — my God — will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

1 Chronicles 28:20

Heavenly Father, you are the Lord of all, the almighty God, and the everlasting one.

Be near to me when my family faces change. When nothing feels steady, it is hard on all of us. Give me strength and courage in times of transition.

Allow my family to see you leading the way. May they rely on you, especially when they feel uncertain.

I am so grateful that even when everything around us feels unstable, you are there. You are our rock. I thank you and praise you for that.

In Christ's name, amen.

18

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Father, you are all-powerful, all-knowing, and almighty. You can move mountains and do wonders beyond my imagination.

Be with me today when I begin to fear. Remind me that fear is not of you, and replace it with peace and love and a sound mind.

Walk closely with my family today as they go in their own directions. Don't let them be overcome by fear or doubt, but instead fill them with a sense of your love.

Thank you that I never have a reason to fear, for you have given me the strength to meet any challenge today.

In your name I pray, amen.

19

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

Father, you hear every prayer, and you see every face. You care about your children, including me.

I'm asking today for clarity. I so often try to figure things out on my own, but right now I'll stop trying. I surrender my life to you.

As I surrender my life, I surrender my children's lives as well. They are yours. Help them approach you with boldness so that they can know your grace.

Thank you that you've promised help in my time of need.

In Jesus' name, amen.

20

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling. Ephesians 1:17-18

God, you are good. Evil trembles in your presence. It is no match for your power and for your love.

Sometimes I get lost in my role as a mother, feeling as if it is my only identity. Remind me today that my identity is found in you.

Remind my family that there is hope in your calling, that you have a plan for each of their lives, and that it includes loving others as you have loved each of us.

Thank you for the incredible privilege of parenting my precious children. What joy and love they bring to my life, and they give me a little glimpse into how you must love me.

In your name I pray, amen.

21

The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:130

Father in heaven, you speak all things into being. You create life with your words, and they bring light to the darkness.

Lord, bring light to my darkness today. The future can feel scary and is filled with the unknown. When my mind strays to anxious thoughts, light a path back to clarity and peace.

May your light enter our household today and bring understanding. My kids are still learning to trust in you, and I don't want them to fear the future. Give them peace and clear direction today.

Thank you for answering my children's prayers. Thank you for the whispered words they say just before bed — so often funny and always heartfelt. Thank you for putting them in my life.

In Christ's name, amen.

Payers for Love and Marriage

22

The mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has mercy on you.

Isaiah 54:10

Dear Father, you stay true to your promises. You do not break your word, and your love is steadfast.

My marriage is under attack from the Enemy, and there are moments I feel too weak to fight for it. Give me strength in those times, and remind me of the promises you have made to your children.

Guard my husband's heart. Bring us closer to you and to each other. Give us a supernatural love for each other and for our children.

Thank you that you are the ultimate covenant maker and keeper.

In Jesus' holy name, amen.

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Excerpted from Pocket Payers for Moms by Max Lucado, Andrea Lucado. Copyright © 2015 Max Lucado. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
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