Editor's note: In an effort to reach out to single mothers in the Body of Christ, Crosswalk is posting a series of articles by Hope & Help for the Single Mom based on their CD set 21 Principles of a Healthy Single Mom. For more information or to purchase the full CD set visit: www.hope4singlemoms.com.
One of the greatest blessings I have ever received in my life was the challenge to respond to the question that Jesus asked His disciples and -- I believe -- He is asking every single mom today, "Could you not keep watch with me for one hour?"
Jesus is asking single moms to pray with Him for one hour every day. When a single mom keeps watch and prays, she will become aware of the temptations around her, be led by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and be spiritually equipped to fight the battles we face.
You may be wondering how to find the time to spend an hour with God each day, especially with the hectic schedules we have as single mothers. I asked that same question to God and He answered me with the verse from Mark 1:35. "And in the morning, rising up a great while before the day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there he prayed." Jesus woke up very early in the morning to spend time with his Father. As single mothers, we are to start our day very early, as Jesus did in prayer. Rising early before the children are up will allow you, as Jesus did, to have solitary time with God to set your day with Him and receive what He needs to give you for the day.
How do you think Jesus was able to do all that He did in a day? Where did He receive the strength to perform miracles, preach, teach, feed 5,000 people, and travel the distances he did in one day? It all came from prayer with His Father. Jesus was in communion with God early in the morning and throughout the day. He received God's plan for His life when He prayed. He was then equipped spiritually and physically to do what God called Him to do. Jesus said that His house would be a house of prayer. Every single mom is called to make her house the same.
The Lord has given us the perfect "outline" to pray that will cover every aspect of your life and your children's lives. It is the very way that Jesus taught His disciples to pray when He said, "This, then, is how you should pray":
"Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed by your name"
We are to praise God and thank Him for who he is. Our Abba Father, our daddy. We are to thank him that He is our righteousness, that He has set us apart for His service, that He is our Healer, our provider, our peace, our Sheppard, our victory and that His presence is everywhere, that He will never leave us or forsake us.
