6 Prayers of Peace for Moms Choosing to Stay at Home

Even if becoming a stay-at-home mom was economically comfortable for your family, it’s natural to feel guilty for not earning a paycheck. It’s easy to calculate which credit card could’ve been paid off sooner or which vacation could’ve happened faster if you had kept your job. Meanwhile, if being a stay-at-home mom has your family pinching pennies, you certainly understand the guilt that wants you to believe that having a job would solve the family’s stress.

But, sweet mama, remember that there is never an end to the weight that money places on all families, and it’s all too easy to let the dollar bill control your heart. We often mute God when bills need to be paid or we want to reach that next big financial status, don’t we?

It’s all about contentment, especially as you share your spirit of gratitude with little hearts.

If you allow money to dictate your value or minimize your contributions, pray with me:

“Jesus, I never want to mitigate the blessing it is t\o stay at home with my children, but it comes at a literal price. While my mind tallies all the ways an extra paycheck would bring peace to our home, may you tally all the blessings this season has to offer, and allow them to flood my heart with true, unshakable peace. May I never forget this priceless calling you’ve placed on my life, Lord. Amen.”

“Practice patience,” I say to my toddler countless times daily. He is in that lovely life phase of melting down when I can’t simultaneously wash dishes, make a doctor’s appointment, and hand him a cracker.

Honestly, though, I should say this to myself more than my son. I deeply wrestle with patience because I don’t want to rest in what it asks of me. Patience asks that I lay down my false sense of control, let go of whatever fleeting thing seems most important at the moment, and give my child the healthy attention that rears a disciple. It asks that I be patient with myself, too, remembering that I’m an imperfect person learning new things each day.

If you’re a mama who struggles with patience, consider this prayer:

“Lord, I confess that I abuse your patience by being short-tempered with my child. You grant me mercy upon mercy, yet I forget that when I’ve been tugged on for the tenth time in five minutes. Whether my baby simply won’t sleep through the night or my teen is pushing boundaries to test my limits and love, grant me the strength to recognize when I get flustered and to use those first few seconds of impatience as a time to ask for your guidance and remember this delicate privilege I have to share your grace, love, and patience with my babies. I’m grateful for you, Jesus. Amen.”

My pregnancy was the sweetest, most healthy time in my married life, but that was turned upside down after our baby was born.

It didn’t take long for me to burn with resentment. My husband got to sleep through the night while I got up three or four times each night to nurse the baby. My husband got to go on four-day work trips each month while I was stuck at home with spit-up in my hair and soured milk on my nursing bra. He had freedom, and I had none. Thus, I allowed seeds of resentment to grow in my heart, and instead of healthily communicating my frustrations, my unchecked jealousy and anger caused countless arguments and heartbreak.

Mama, no matter how old your little ones are, you are likely the “primary parent.” You change all the diapers, schedule all the appointments, pack all the lunches, carpool all the friends, listen to all the drama, cook all the meals, maintain the household calendar, etc. Trust me, I get it. And it only seems you feel that pressure more when you’re a stay-at-home mom because people assume you have “more free time” on your hands.

You feel like you do it all. And oftentimes, you truly do. However, if you have a spouse who is encouraging, supportive, and honoring in your decisions as the primary parent, you have a rare blessing. (And if you’ll take a few minutes, albeit begrudgingly, to list everything he does, you’ll realize he carries a heavy load, too.)

Thank God for the sweet blessing of a life partner to grow your family with, and don’t allow resentment to tear your home apart.

Pray this:

“Jesus, I feel like I carry the entire burden of the house. It’s hard to find joy in something so heavy, but help me remember the weight you carried for me on the cross. Grant me a tender heart to see how I can turn my “burdens” into opportunities to show my family your love. I ask for your patience and perspective as I honor my husband and all he does for our family. In your holy name, God, Amen.”

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I found out I was pregnant with my son only one month after we had moved from Colorado to Tennessee. Between being in a new town and being miserably sick all nine months of my pregnancy, I didn’t have the time (or stomach) to get out and meet people. Thankfully, I had my parents and sister close by, but I had no friends. Those first few months after my baby was born, I felt so alone.

By God’s grace, my husband and I have found an incredible church and are in a life group with eight other fantastic couples, yet I often imagine how much heaviness and heartache I would have avoided if I had known these people then.

I share my story so you don’t make my mistake. Find community, even if you have to bring a barf bag. If you already have community, hold onto these people tight. We need godly people holding us up, holding us accountable, and holding our grief and our joy.

Mama, whether you need to find or keep community, this prayer is for you:

“Lord, grant me true friendships with God-fearing, tenderhearted mamas. May we not only enjoy the same books, music, or humor, but may we find peace in knowing that we commune with you and bring one another’s concerns before your throne with love and praise. Amen.”

In only a second, you go from making every choice based on what’s best for you to dismissing yourself and sacrificing everything you are for what’s best for your baby. It’s noble, but we must recognize when self-sacrifice is damaging our children and spouses.

My mother said, “You were a human before you were a mother,” so I often remind myself that God created me, Peyton Garland, with unique gifts and talents. After becoming a mother, God didn’t recall those treasures. They might need to be placed on hold for a season, but I still get to be who I was created to be and be a healthy, sacrificial mother.

I want my son to believe in the joy of the Lord because he sees the joy motherhood brings to my life. But mama, it’s hard to cultivate joy when you have muted the gifts and talents God has given you. Find a way to keep painting, making pottery, playing the piano, writing poetry, volunteering at the soup kitchen, etc.

Find joy in what makes you, you. After all, you were designed by the creator and sustainer of joy.

Let’s pray:

“Lord, it’s easy to think I’ve lost myself in motherhood. I don’t have the time, energy, or money to pursue lost dreams. Remind me of the unique gifts and talents you have given me. Awaken my heart with joy and excitement to continue pursuing the calling you have placed on my life. May my children see the joy I have in you and know, without a doubt, that you are good. In your holy name, Jesus, Amen.”

I’ll admit that my son is my idol. I lie to myself and believe I can be everything for him. I can control his health, protect his heart, and forge him into a perfect human…until I can’t. Then, once again, I remember that God must take precedent in my heart.

We must remember that our ultimate purpose is to pursue Christ. Our true meaning, fulfillment, and potential are only reached when we are desperately searching for His heart, His wisdom, and His guidance. Then, and only then, can we live the life we want our children to imitate.

Remember, maternal accolades won’t satisfy you, mama, and they certainly won’t save your babies.

Pray with me:

“Lord, once again, I confess my constant fight against idolizing my children. I like to think I can always protect them and always do what’s best for them, but, as you so gently remind me each day, you are the one with all the wisdom, power, and provisions. I ask that you cover me in your mercy and grace as I make you number one in my heart and soul. May my children see my efforts to chase after you wholeheartedly, and may they set their little hearts on the same path. Save their souls, Father. Keep them tethered to your goodness always. In your almighty, powerful name, Lord God, Amen.”