Notes from a Mom
One of my greatest responsibilities and opportunities is to pray for my children. Of course when they are young, there are so many needs about schooling and friendships and concerns for protection. As mothers, we want to teach our children about God and other values. But too often we slow down our prayer efforts as our children move away from home and go to college. But this may be their most crucial years of all! And your prayers are needed more than ever!
I believe that during the college years, a young person is often found wandering—trying to get their bearings and determine their future. So many options and so many people pull on a young person. Many experts have said that the ages of 18-25 is the time period when a person makes most of the major decisions of his/her life. Relationships, spouse, career, values, and issues of faith are often determined during this critical time. As a mother, I want to be praying for my son and daughter to have healthy friendships and make wise decisions with God at the center of their lives. There are so many opportunities to be led astray and to align with people or philosophies that are not godly.
But when we pray as mothers, does God hear us? YES, maybe more than He hears others. God loves to hear and answer the prayers of mothers. Consider Hannah who prayed for Samuel or the woman whose son had died. When Jesus was headed in the opposite direction, he stopped and touched the coffin so the boy was raised! Even Paul recognized Timothy’s mother and aunt who taught and prayed for him. We may not know the names of every praying mother or grandmother behind the Church’s great leaders, but I’m confident that every great leader gives credit to the power and GREAT influence of a mother’s prayers.
If praying for our son and daughter makes a real difference in their lives, then what should we pray? Use the Bible and pray through Psalms and also the wisdom of Proverbs for your child. What is your son’s or daughter’s favorite Bible verse or story? Pray for it to come to pass in their life. Ask God to intervene in their lives when you, as a parent, can say little. Pray for godly friends who will help lead them into places of faith and hope. Pray for their college classes, professors, work and other daily issues.
Find another friend with a child in college and join in united prayer. For when 2 or 3 pray and agree as touching anything, God will do it! The full power and authority of God is present with just a couple of people. What an encouragement to know that effective prayer doesn’t require hundreds of people—just 2 or 3. I call these 203 groups — united prayer that will accomplish great things for His glory!
May you grow in intercession for your son or daughter, for their campus, friends and world. Be prepared that these prayer times will change you as it changes them!
Please go to the CDOP website and adopt a few campuses — One where your child attends, one from nearby your home and another that you are not familiar with! Start on the Day of Prayer and then do not stop your prayers for these young people who can change our world!
-Encouragement from a Praying Mom