Scripture reading: Matthew 15:21–28

The Power of a Praying Mother

I am reminded or your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first

in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now,

I am sure, dwells in you as well. (II Timothy 1:5)

 

Paul knew that Timothy had grown to be a man of God in large mea sure because he had a praying mother and grandmother. Those with such a heritage are truly blessed. This side of eternity, we will never fully comprehend the debt that this world owes to mothers who faithfully prayed for their children.

One of the most famous examples of a praying mother is Monica, the mother of Augustine (354–430). In his spiritual autobiography Confessions, Augustine devotes an entire section to his mother. What a debt he owed this dear woman! As a young man, Augustine lived the life of a worldly, rebellious pagan. Sexual promiscuity, laziness, theft and embracing heresy were all painfully visible in the life of this prodigal son. For years he broke his mother’s heart by his wayward behavior, even fathering a son though he was unmarried. Although Augustine was clearly on the highway to hell, there was one thing standing in his path: his mother! For nine long years she prayed for her prodigal son. Finally, these petitions to God prevailed and Augustine repented, turned to Jesus Christ, and became one of the most influential Christians in history. In his Confessions Augustine talks to God about his mother.

And you sent your hand from above, and drew my soul out of that profound darkness, my mother, your faithful one, weeping to you for me, more than mothers weep the bodily deaths of their children. For she, by that faith and spirit which she had from you, discerned the death wherein I lay, and you heard her, O Lord; you heard her, and despised not her tears, when streaming down, they watered the ground under her eyes in every place where she prayed; yes, you heard her.

Thank God for the tears and prayers of faithful mothers. Blessed is the man or woman who has a godly mother to shape his life and direct his steps. There is no force on earth more powerful than a mother interceding for her children. How different the history of the world would be were it not for Sarah, Rachel, Jochabed, Hannah, Elizabeth, Lois, Eunice and, of course, Mary. But beyond the Bible, think about what we owe to women like Monica, Susannah Wesley, and thousands more. I suppose it is true that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. But it is certainly a matter of record that the prayers of godly mothers have changed the course of history.

A poem written by David Foster and made unforgettable in song by Celine Dione is simply entitled “A Mother’s Prayer.”

 

I pray you’ll be my eyes, and watch her where she goes And help her to be wise, help me to let go

Every mother’s prayer, every child knows, Lead her to a place, guide her by your grace, To a place where she’ll be safe.

 

I pray she finds your light, and holds it in her heart

As darkness falls each night, remind her where you are Every mother’s prayer, every child knows,

Need to find a place, guide her with your grace, Give her faith so she’ll be safe.

 

 

Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments,

despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers.—J. Sidlow Baxter

 

point to ponder • Intercessory prayer is like labor pains for someone’s birth.

prayer focus • The young person who has lost his/her way.