As Mother’s Day approaches, consider giving the mothers in your church the gift of prayer. Here are five ways to pray for moms and future moms — and Scriptures to guide those petitions.

Pray that every mom — the weary mom, the busy mom, the single mom, and all the other kinds of moms in your congregation — will find strength and refreshing in the Lord.

• “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
• “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Pray that moms will nurture their families with godly wisdom.

• “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1).
• “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26).

Pray that moms will point their children to Jesus and see them grow to love and serve Him.

• “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (Deuteronomy 4:9).
• “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

Pray that each mom, young and old, will enjoy the blessings and honor of a loving and grateful family.

• “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (Proverbs 31:28).
• “‘Honor your father and mother’”—which is the first commandment with a promise” (Ephesians 6:2).

Pray that those who are trusting God for a child will receive the desires of their hearts.

• “Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised” (Genesis 21:1).
• “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him” (1 Samuel 1:27).