Even as we celebrate mums this Mother’s Day, we know that this sweet and sacred calling of motherhood can also be challenging.

Whether you are a mum struggling to make it through the day, have just lost a baby or do not know how to help your prodigal child, we want to encourage you.

Whatever circumstances you are facing, may these prayers for mothers build faith in you as you turn to the Lord.

For those of us who are not mums, use these prayers to bless those around you. Forward this on to encourage someone today!

1. Prayer for new mums

Heavenly Father, I am grateful for this life that You have entrusted into my hands.

Through sleepless nights and endless feeding cycles and diaper changes, grow my capacity as a mum.

Give me strength, equip me with wisdom and fill me with joy as I care for my newborn. Let me learn to love this child. 

Proverbs 23:25
May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful! 

2. Prayer for busy mums

Dear Lord, the daily tasks of motherhood can be overwhelming. Guide me in prioritising my to-dos, to know what I need to focus on each day.

When I find it hard to show up for my kids, strengthen me so that I can persevere.

As I set aside time to spend with You, refresh me so that I can serve from a place of rest. Help me to remember what is ultimately the most important.

Isaiah 40:31
…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.

Mums, do not forget to make memories with your children even in the midst of the mundane. Photo by ShotPot on Pexels.

3. Prayer for mums in good times

Gracious God, thank you for the blessing that is motherhood. Indeed children are a gift from You.

I come to you with a grateful heart, remembering all the times You have seen our family through the good and bad times.

We praise You for your faithfulness and for sustaining us thus far.

Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

4. Prayer for single mums

Almighty God, You see all my struggles and difficulties.

Remind me that You are here with me and that I am not alone. Send help and encouragement when I feel disheartened.

Thank you for being my protector and provider. Lead me so that I can lead my children.

Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

5. Prayer for mums worrying over their kids

God of all wisdom, please show me how I can best support my child. Thank you that my identity does not lie in their behaviour or performance.

Give me wisdom to train up my child in the way they should go. Even when they make mistakes, guide them back to the right path.

Let my child fulfil the purpose you have for them.

James 1:5
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. 

When you need wisdom in parenting, ask God to guide you. Photo by Nicola Barts on Pexels.

6. Prayer for mums who find it hard to love

Merciful God, thank you that no matter how much I have messed up, You love me all the same.

I look to You as the source of love – teach me how to love my child just as You have loved me.

Help me to recognise and affirm my child’s unique strengths, and to be a faithful steward of this life You have given me. 

1 John 4:19
We love because he first loved us.

7. Prayer for mums who are hurting 

Loving Father, you see my pain over this strained relationship with my child. Grant me humility to see where I can do better.

Repair and restore what is broken. Empower me to love even when it hurts. 

I want to be like the father of the prodigal son in the Bible – always ready to welcome my child back with open arms.

Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

8. Prayer for mums who have lost a child

Father of compassion, thank you that You are the God of all comfort. Allow me to see You through my tears, to feel Your comforting presence like a warm hug.

Though my heart is heavy with grief, I know that You can birth purpose from pain, beauty from ashes and redemption from brokenness.

There are many things I cannot understand, but I still put my trust in You. 

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

In times of grief, cling on to God. Photo by Aditya Romansa on Unsplash.

9. Prayer for mums battling illness 

O Lord, I ask for healing because anything is possible for You.

And yet I also know that You will never waste any pain – You can use all things for good in some way. 

Take care of my children, so that even through my sickness and suffering, they will still catch a glimpse of Your goodness.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Not forgetting…

10. Prayer for those waiting to be mums 

Creator of life, You see the deepest longings of my heart. I pray that You will make me a mother in Your time and way.

But no matter what happens, I will always praise You because I know that You have good plans for my life.

Though it is hard to surrender all my hopes and desires, I trust in Your sovereignty.

Lamentations 3:22-24
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 

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