May 27, 2021: A Mama’s Prayer

“Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded ... and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope in your future ... that your children shall come back to their own border” (Jer. 31:16–17, NKJV).

I have a lot of favorite scriptures. Verses that give me hope, courage, inspire me, convict me, challenge me to action. Favorite promises from God’s Word for different areas of my life. In Jeremiah, God spoke a new favorite verse directly to my mama-heart as I lifted my sons to Him.

“God, please …” I managed to say.

Tears streamed down my face as I prayed for my sons, begging God to speak into their lives, reveal Himself and His love to them, and call them deeper into a relationship with Him. Teen and young adult years are hard, and trials were causing them to question faith and God.

Repeatedly, I sensed God saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you” (Jer. 31:3, NKJV).

I knew God loved my sons. What else did He want me to know?

Turning to Jeremiah, I began praying God’s words over my sons. God saw my tears and knew my hurting heart. He challenged me to trust Him, and promised to work in their lives.

Now, as I pray for my sons, I take time to thank God for loving them, for wanting more for them than I even imagine, for having hopes and plans for their lives. I trust Him to persistently and consistently move mountains to remind them of who He is and call them deeper into friendship with Him.

God, please! Amen.

Tamyra Horst is the director of Communication, Family, Prayer and Women’s Ministries for the Pennsylvania Conference.