![Character Quality: Prayerful Talking with God often, thanking Him for my blessings, asking for His help. HisSunflower.com by Rachael Carman]( "Character Quality: Prayerful Talking with God often, thanking Him for my blessings, asking for His help. HisSunflower.com by Rachael Carman")
Character Quality: Prayerful
Although it is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, I believe there is evidence of persistent prayer on the part of mothers.
When I read about the story of Hannah, who vowed to give her first born son back to the Lord and then made good on that promise and delivered Samuel to Eli the priest, I imagine that Hannah prayed for her son. She missed him so much. Visiting him annually just about tore her heart out. But God granted her peace. And He granted Samuel wisdom and strength beyond himself.
When I read about Jochebed, who determined to weave a basket in which she would place her son and release Moses into God’s hands, setting her daughter as the lookout, I sense that Moses’ mom returned home that day from the Nile, fell to her knees, and prayed. In short order God answered her prayers when Miriam announced that Pharaoh’s daughter needed someone to nurse the baby. God had answered her prayer! But it was only for a time—until he was weaned. Then Moses went to live in the palace full-time. This time Jochabed prayed with even more confidence based on God’s faithfulness all those years ago. She missed him, but she knew God answered prayers.
When I read about David, the young shepherd boy who bravely fought to protect his father’s flocks, who worshiped his God, who faced the giant with only five smooth stones, who Samuel anointed, I sense that his mom prayed for her youngest son. David’s passion did not surprise his mother. She had been praying about it since he was little, when it first appeared. Praying for her son was a regular practice. Her mother’s heart told her God had a plan for David. She prayed, and trusted, and waited.
I read about Daniel and his three friends who were torn from their families when Nebuchadnezzar conquered God’s people. Yet they remained resolved and confident enough in their faith to defy the king’s edict and face the consequences with regard to food, flames, and lions. Their mothers couldn’t hold their sons any longer, but they could hold on to the hand of God through prayer. Their mothers didn’t sink into despair, not in my imagination. No, I picture women who were heart-broken but not hopeless. They knew God to be big enough to handle any situation their sons experienced and to protect them as they stood, refusing to bow.
Moms, let us resolve to be praying moms. The temptation to give in to worry and anxiety often seems overwhelming. Let us determine, by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, to stand firm in prayer. To lift up our hands in worship and lay our requests at His feet. Let us begin our days with “Dear Father,” and end them with “Amen.” May we choose to be prayerful in all circumstances acknowledging Him who alone is Worthy and Able. May we thank Him for His goodness and grace, and may we trust Him with all of the rest.
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