There is so much that can be gleaned through the Bible of what it means to truly have a biblical relationship. The Word of the Lord gives great insight and understanding of what it means to have a biblical relationship with all of those in our lives, including in-laws. Through the book of Ruth, we see the powerful relationship of a woman and her mother-in-law in some of life’s hardest challenges. Such a beautiful connection is one to be desired and prayed for in our relationships today.
1. A Prayer for Loyalty
From the beginning of the book of Ruth, it is evident that she had a loyal heart, not only to the family she had married into but also to God Himself. Early in the book, we learn that Ruth’s husband had died, and she was faced with a fork in the road decision. Naomi, her mother-in-law, offered to her that she could return to her father’s home (Ruth 1:8), but instead, Ruth offers loyalty to Naomi. (Ruth 1:16). She knew that when she made her vow to her husband in marriage, it was not only to him and his family but to God Himself. Her father’s people were not of the Lord, and she chose to keep her vow to stay under the covering of the Lord Himself and the family of Elimelech.
Father God,
We are blown away at the integrity of Ruth in how she lived out in action what it means to be loyal not only to a family but loyal to You. Father, move in our innermost characters and hearts that we may live in the same accord. Give us a heart that we may honor the family You would offer to marry into and honor You. Give us the kind of relationships that would be so rooted in You that anything other option would not even be desired or considered for a moment. Lord, help our hearts to be such that we sincerely live by the words Ruth exclaimed to her mother-in-law, “For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Lord, help each of us to have an undivided heart for You and for the family that You have called each of us into.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Prayer
2. Prayers for Hardships
Ruth and Naomi were given a hardship in life that many of us cannot even imagine. They were both widowed and left destitute, and alone the two of them journeyed from Moab to Bethlehem with the mere hope that there may be the hope of meager provisions in another land during a famine. Even after arriving in Bethlehem, there arose the challenge of finding food and lodging at the full charity of others. Imagine living on such hope that the people of God would care for the least of these when you are the ones in need? Hardships come and go, but the evidence of Ruth and Naomi was not that they tore each other apart during this time; rather, they relied on God Himself and supported one another during such a time.
Father God,
Hardships are inevitable in our lives, but we can choose how we respond in such times. We can allow these times to make us tear apart our relationships, or we can work together and support one another. It is evident that we can make a choice whether or not to rely on Your guiding hand during such times. Lord, help us choose to place our focus not on the problem but on You. Help us not let the passing feelings of insecurities thwart what You are doing in the bigger scheme of things. Help us grow closer to one another through adversities rather than apart in our pain. Just as Ruth and Naomi became a team, help us grow closer to in-laws during trials so that the fullness of doing life together can be experienced.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
3. Prayers for Trusting the Wisdom of the Naomi in Your Life
Naomi served as a mother figure in Ruth’s life and as a wise woman who knew the Lord in good discernment. Ruth did not go against or question Naomi in her advice towards Boaz. Naomi had an understanding of the Law of the Lord, and she knew what it meant for a Kinsman Redeemer to act in accordance with what was correct. Ruth did not question Naomi’s guidance, and it proved beneficial in how the Lord worked and moved to bring Ruth and Boaz together in marriage. In the same way, though we may not fully understand, it is wise to trust the discernment of godly mother figures in our lives, for they have insights we may not be aware of. Always ask God to ensure they are counsel we ought to give attention to, and if it is clear they are seeking after the Lord correctly, trust that which they offer in direction.
Father God,
Thank You for placing in our lives godly mother figures who earnestly seek after You with their whole hearts. Please continue to reflect Your love through their actions and give them wisdom that can only be attained from You, and You alone. Help our own hearts not rebel against them, but rather be sensitive to discipline and accept encouragement from them. Thank You, Lord, for the blessing of a Naomi in our own lives; give us the heart to honor them and bless them through our gratitude.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
4. Prayers for a Naomi in Your Life
God brought Ruth into Naomi’s family for a reason. It was an intentional and planned action, so much so that Ruth became part of the genealogy of King David. In the same way, God has brought you into your husband’s (or will in the future by your future husband’s) family for a reason. God has a way of bringing godly older women into the lives of young women to provide encouragement, insights, and good judgment. Ask the Lord to highlight the Naomi or Naomi figures in your life and ask Him how you can honor them as Ruth honored Naomi.
Father God,
Thank You for the sincere gift of godly mother figures. Whether that comes through a mother-in-law, natural mother, or woman of the Church, we know that You have a keen way of bringing the mentors we need for such a time as this. Father, if there is not one evident, we graciously ask You to bring the women who need a Naomi, a woman who genuinely loves and serves You into the life of the woman praying this prayer. Give them hearts eager to pursue You and eager to glean and learn from the mentor placed in their life. May it ever reflect the heart You have for us as a parent who earnestly desires to see their child flourish.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
The book of Ruth offers a dynamic and unique view of relationships through a mother and daughter-in-law. Although it has become common in culture that in-laws should clash, it does not need to be so. Through God’s actions and your prayers, a beautiful and fruitful relationship can be fostered and born in a way that only He can bring about.
Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on "The 700 Club Interactive" and Christine Caine's "Propel Women," among several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys challenging ladies to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having genuine chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed, will be available everywhere on May 1, 2024. It is set to be featured in Jesus Calling and on The 700 Club on May 28, 2024. @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com