“Lord, give me patience” is a phrase and a prayer every mom has muttered more than once.
While patience is a virtue, it is easier said than done. I often find myself overstimulated, frustrated and strained for patience, which is a very normal situation.
It is worth noting that some seasons of parenthood are more strained for patience than others. And that is not only okay but perfectly normal.
Below, I have listed a prayer for patience and seven other prayers that have helped me. I hope that they will bless you as well.
Hang in there, mama. We are in the trenches together.
1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help me always hold 1 Corinthians 13:4 in my heart. Love is patience and other than my husband; there is no one on Earth I love more than my sweet babies. In these seasons of chaos, I need You to filter through the sound and process the overstimulation.
Help me to have the patience that children deserve, the patience that You always have with me. In Jesus’ most precious name, Amen.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV): “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Father God, please forgive me for my many shortcomings. There are times when I feel spread thin, and the sound in the room appears amplified.
Please lessen the guilt I feel when I need breaks. The scripture calls for us to come to You and that we will find rest. Please help me permit myself to take breaks so that I can approach these precious moments of their childhood rested and alert.
It is also my motherhood, and these shared memories will be so much brighter when I get the chance to recharge my batteries. Amen.
John 14:27 (NIV) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.
Father, the world places such weight on moms. Balancing home and work is stressful, and keeping up with all of the schedules and activities is taxing and often thankless. Please write peace on the walls of my heart.
I give my troubles and fears to you so that I may feel Your peace and be the mother You meant for me to be. Please help me remember that I do not have to appease the world. I pray that you will lift those weights off my weary shoulders. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Father, I do my best to teach our children to forgive others as You forgive us. Yet, when I make mistakes – when I misspeak or maybe speak more brusquely to the kids than I should I find the guilt unbearable.
Of course, I am quick to apologize when I am wrong to make things right but letting go is hard for me. The mom guilt of the world is so heavy. But Your Word says that from the time I gave my heart to You, I am forgiven, and as a new creation, I should forgive myself. On hard days, please help me to do just that. I may be a mom, but I am still human and make mistakes.
Please help me to remember that and put down that guilt. Amen.
James 1:19 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Dear Heavenly Father, to be patient with my little ones, I must practice actively listening to them. It can be hard to take the time to sit with them intentionally and listen to their words when they are fighting, crying, or just loudly playing.
Sometimes, simply taking the time to hear from their perspective is enough to remind them of their innocence and that they themselves are learning. Help me, Father God, to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger with them.
For they deserve that practice from me just as much, if not more, than any adult. Amen.
Colossians 3:23 (NIV): Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Father, I am trying to remain diligent. Sometimes, I feel like I am not giving my children all that I can. I am working at giving them due diligence with all my heart as I know that is my call from You, Lord.
Please give me the energy to juggle all the tasks while managing to be patient and present with them. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
James 1:4-5 (NIV) Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 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.
Lord, I am tired. Parenthood is a marathon, and there are times when cramps, exhaustion, and fatigue slow me down. Your Word says to persevere, and when I lack wisdom, I can come to You to ask for it.
Please lead, guide, and direct me, Father God. Please give me the wisdom and energy to endure the high-energy seasons of our marathon without feeling the weight of fault. Please help me seek the completion of our work while enjoying the run. In Jesus’ most precious name, Amen.
James 1:12 (NIV) Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Father God, thank you for the gift of our children. Parenthood is a joy and privilege that is not lost on me. I know in my heart that You are always present, even in more trying seasons.
Please help me enjoy the easy, happy moments, and please be with me when we fall under trials.
Please give me the patience and discernment always to support and nurture my sweet babies. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Motherhood is a marathon. It is about the journey and pacing ourselves as we go. We can love our children and struggle with the pressures of parenthood at the same time.
It is okay when our patience gives out.
Give yourself some grace, my friend. God wants that for you. Remember Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV). When we trust in Him to lead us, He will make the path straight.
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