“Honor thy father and thy mother,” thus, says the Lord in Exodus 20:12. This is a commandment too often forgotten, shattering the hearts of many parents.
Being a parent has its perks and challenges. More often, it is centered on bearing the weight of child-rearing from infanthood to adulthood. Sacrificing our time and energy to provide a comfortable and convenient life for our family.
Yet, how often have we seen parents down on their knees in frustration, qualm, and exhaustion at the responsibilities and judgment passed on them? Of young parents screaming for help at the monstrosity of tasks on hand?
Are working parents too exhausted from juggling between the office and house chores? Or, elderly parents left behind in retirement homes, abandoned and forgotten?
What a lot of people fail to see, especially the youths of today, are the tears and hard work parents endure for their children’s welfare.
Many times, we struggle to keep our own sanity amid our busy lifestyle. When everything is uncertain and daunting, overwhelmed parenting can send spirit-crushing to the depths of the ocean.
Please use any of these prayers when you are under deep waters and feel God’s providence in Your life.
Don’t forget to check out our post “Parenting Prayer – how to use prayers as a tool to become a better parent“
Here are 9 prayers for overwhelmed parents:
1.- Prayer for patience
“Oh Lord, my patience is at the brink of my patience, ready to give up in a snap of a finger. I know that violent action can only hurt and harsh words can only scar my family for life. And so I kneel before you asking for patience and courage to remain calm amidst the chaos.
Praying for sweet and encouraging words to come off my lips and comforting arms to touch my hands. And through me, my family will feel Your unconditional love”.
James 1:19 “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry”.
2.- Prayer when loneliness strike
“Alone in the darkness of my room, I cry for Your light to shine on me. Open my eyes, Lord God, to the blessings you have bestowed on me. Open my ears to hear the angelic voices of my children.
Even if I face numerous battles, I shall not falter for You are with me. You, oh Lord, will never forsake nor abandon me. You are my best friend and savior”.
Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand”.
3.- Prayer for the broken-hearted
“I am just a human who falls short at times. But, my heart aches with frustration watching my children’s disobedience when all I long for is their welfare. No words can describe the pain I feel when I see them hurt and scarred.
The agony a parent feels magnified ten times whenever a child is cringing in pain. I am no superhuman, my Lord, to shield them from pain or suffering. If only I could take away their pain but I can’t. It is only You who can make this happen.
Because You are powerful and almighty. So I lean on to your sturdy shoulders and warm embrace begging for healing and miracle”.
Psalm 34:19 “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time”.
4.- Prayer when you feel inadequate
“With a heavy heart, I kneel before you in my most imperfect state. Exhaustion has ruled over my entire being but still, it wasn’t satisfactory. There’s still too much to do but I fear that I do not have all the time in the world.
I feel inadequate as a parent and spouse. I fear for that day when my family would turn me away for not being worthy enough of their love and trust. In times like this, I close the door and immerse myself in Your presence.
For in more ways than one, You have assured me that “I am enough.” Thank you, Jesus”.
Psalm 31:16 “Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me”.
5.- Prayer when anxiety attacks
“Everywhere I see chaos, violence, hatred, and disparity as if the world is in shambles. Lord, there are too many things I cannot control.
My anxious heart is running ten thousand miles a minute. Lord, I fear each time my family steps out of the comfort of our own house to face a deceitful and judgemental world.
I fear each time I have to do something for my own family that I might fail, leaving them disappointed. Shower me with your limitless grace and rest my worries at the foot of your cross. You heard my plea and understood my anxiety. In You, I entrust my spirit”.
1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you”.
Do you know what your kids are watching in their laptops, tablets or mobile phones?
6.- Prayer when you feel discouraged
“Harden, not my heart, oh Jesus. Help me pick up the pieces once again, allowing Your grace to fix the brokenness. Lift my spirit, oh Lord. Let me shout in worship despite the misery and sorrow. Allow me to see the good amid the confusion. And to find joy in hard places”.
Psalm 42:5 I’m discouraged, Why am I discouraged?, Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!, I will praise him again, my Savior”
7.- Prayer when you feel betrayed
“I have trusted but have been betrayed, oh Lord. I have spoken words out of rage. I have done things out of spite but my heart never healed. I don’t know if I will ever learn to forgive when my morale has been crushed to pieces.
There are so many questions and hatred in me that I turn to You for mercy and grace. Bathe me with Your Holy Spirit that I may forgive those who had wronged me”.
Ephesians 4:32 “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you”.
8.- Prayer for letting go
“Our children are growing up so fast right before our eyes. As we watch them demand independence from our protection and care, we pray that you guide and shelter them from this harsh world we live in.
Grant us the serenity to accept that our children aren’t ours to control but to share with the world. Give us the grace to remain steadfast in prayer as we watch them fail and make mistakes to learn things on their own.
Grant us the provision to help them when we have to. Grateful for entrusting us with these gifts we will forever cherish in our hearts”.
Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving”.
9.- Prayer for overwhelmed parents
“Our Father in heaven, we are nothing compared to the love and mercy you have shown us, Your children. Lord, we come before you run-down, drained of every ounce of energy and hope. Our obligations are daunting and tiring.
We ask for your comforting presence to renew our hope and cheer us up. Provide us with wisdom to see what matters most and courage to say No when we need to. Cover these weary souls with the blood of Christ as we bring our children closer to Your Kingdom.
We surrender everything to You especially the things that are beyond our control. Behind those warriors our children see is a child of God who relies on The Father for strength and compassion. With the power of the Holy Spirit, I will obey whatever You ask from us”.
Psalm 91:4 “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection”.
In the end
Humans, as we are, overwhelmed parenting, can bring out the worst in us. But living a life in prayer reminds us that there are things beyond our control. That as parents, we are merely custodians of our children.
They are a godsend and must be shared with the rest of humanity. Despite our selfish ambitions for them, our mission as God’s shepherds is far greater than anything.
In those moments when things go out of our way, we call out God’s name. When we are weakened and hopeless, go back to the Scripture and say a prayer. Keep these important prayers for parents to fuel you and your family to a life of Holiness.
The challenge is not if we see God but if others see God in us. The world will never satisfy our heart’s desire. But fear not. Carry with you a New Living Testament Bible and look for answers to your prayers in His Word.
For the Lord knows before you even asked. Parents are God’s stewards on this planet to bring people closer to Him. Fear not for His eyes has seen it all. Rest if you must but never give up for God will always have your back.
Read the passages with your kids but most important teach them to read and understand.
Share with us some prayers that have been helpful in your parenting during these times of turmoil and confusion