A Prayer for Single Mothers
by Yolande Morris
Growing up. I was ashamed to be raised by a single mother. I wanted to have that picture-perfect family that I saw on TV shows like The Cosby Show, Family Matters, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and many others. Over time, I came to appreciate the sacrifices that my mom made for me to live the life that I lead now. From taking me to church as a child to sending me on trips around the world and simply showing me unconditional love, I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness to us over the years.
Today, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, many of you may have also grown up in an unconventional family, either due to the death of a parent, divorce, or a myriad of other factors. Today, I want to remind you that God sees you and hears you. Just as He did for Hagar, a woman who was forced to parent alone after being rejected and cast out by Abraham’s wife, Sarah.
“And as she sat down opposite him, she raised her voice and wept. God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, ‘What troubles you, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy from where he is [resting]. Get up, help the boy up, and hold him by the hand, for I will make him a great nation.’ Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water; and she went and filled the [empty] skin with water and gave the boy a drink.” [Genesis 21:16-19]
I’ve also asked my own mother to write a prayer for you to remind you of God’s faithfulness to remove the shame or uncertainty that you may be feeling on days like today.
Happy Mother’s Day!
A Single Mother’s Prayer
Father God, we thank you that we don’t have to worry about tomorrow. We have enough to think about for today. Tomorrow has enough trouble of its own. We know that You are in control. Life situations can change in a moment and we have enough experience to know that You are the unchangeable God who holds us and is teaching us to number our days so we can be wise with our hearts. As single women, we really don’t have to worry about what to eat, wear, live, or anything in this life. Instead, we’ve learned as believers to make our requests to you and wait patiently for your guidance and direction. You promised to supply all of our needs according to your riches in glory and You are faithful to Your promises.
We are fearfully and wonderfully made and Your thoughts towards us bring us peace. You have an excellent plan for our lives. Each day we will make every effort to surrender our will to You and say “Abba, Father, have your way in our lives today.” “You are the potter and we are the clay so continue to fashion us in Your likeness. Help us to stop murmuring and complaining and trust You to work out our dilemmas in your perfect time. As daughters of the Most-High God, we know that no matter what confronts us, You have promised to bring good out of it. No longer should we live for ourselves, especially those of us who have retired, but should be pursuing our purpose with a new zeal, as You have been so gracious to us.
Thank You for taking the time to mature us and in our quiet time reflect on Your love, power, our sound mind, and self-control You have redeemed us from the enemy and we are more than conquerors. We will not dwell on life tragedies but are more interested in trusting in Your plan for our lives. Keep our focus on You and drown out the noise, chaos, confusion, darkness as we stay on the path You have set before us. Remove any lustful desires, evil thoughts, comparisons, gossip, and every other sinful habit that we might possess. Enough of the old man, the Adamic nature, as we seek to put on the New Man, Christ Jesus. We are embracing the things that bring forth peace and righteousness. As dearly beloved women of
God, we desire Your wisdom. We need to hear Your voice as we focus on ourselves and not others. The plans You have for us are tailored for us only. Let us love ourselves for who we are beautifully crafted to be, not high-minded but humble in spirit.
Thank You that You have equipped us with everything we need for the journey. There is no lack and if we need anything all we have to do is ask and You will give it to us if it is in keeping with Your will for our lives. Thank you for our children, we will continue to grow them in the nurture and admonition of You and walk in obedience to Your Word before them as much as we can. These and other mercies we ask in Your most holy and precious name.
Amen.
