Two Moms, Three Prayers

Excellent or Praiseworthy is posted on Monday and Thursday nights.

“Trust in the LORD with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

Last week I received prayers by email from two friends whose sons are in the desert—one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. Knowing that “Excellent or Praiseworthy” seeks to share spiritual encouragement during the war on terror, these special moms wanted to contribute what they are praying for their sons and their comrades-in-arms. The first email I received said this:

“As the mom of a deployed soldier, I’m always looking for ways to pray for my son, something in addition to–‘Lord, keep him safe.’ As I searched through my Bible one morning while on a women’s retreat, I noticed that there were several scriptures where the Lord said that He would guide the footsteps of His people. These verses gave me a more specific way in which to pray for my son. While we as family members don’t experience the war in the same way that our soldiers do, and don’t necessarily know what they are doing during their deployment, all one needs to do is watch the news to know the types of danger that they face daily—with every step. As family members and soldiers, we need to pray that God will direct our footsteps and that He’ll make our paths straight. Whether we’re in a war zone or at home, we need daily direction, strength and comfort as we are separated from our loved ones. We need to pray that we will follow God’s path and that He will guide us each step of the way. Whether our soldier is on foot or in a military vehicle, we need to pray that the Lord will direct his or her steps…every step he or she takes. As a family, whether at home or on deployment let’s pray that God will keep us focused on Him in order to keep discouragement, loneliness and temptation at bay.”

Then this mom added her prayer: “Lord, guide the steps of my soldier through the dangers that he/she faces daily. Help him/her to be focused on You and the mission at hand. Give all of them the direction, strength, and comfort that they need each moment of the day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

The very next day I received another tender, yet powerful, prayer as an sample of what a second soldier’s mom has written and prayed for her son and members of his unit:

“Oh Heavenly Father, Your love surrounds us all, and you died for all…please help my son and his fellow soldiers to be strong as they face the trials of war. Let the joy of You, Lord, be their strength and give them power to succeed depending on You alone. Go before every mission, give them wisdom and perseverance to recognize this test of faith. Empower them to have joy in the midst of their circumstances. Lord, we ask, too, for the peace that passes understanding for the families and the children, especially at this time of year. Thank you, Father, for hearing and answering our prayers. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen”

And if you are the soldier, so far away from home, here is the prayer that was sent me from one of these precious moms as a suggestion of how you might pray:

“Lord, guide my steps and help me to stay focused on You and our mission. Help me to know how to encourage my fellow soldiers and my loved ones at home. Keep my heart strong and pure during our time of separation. Be with my parents, siblings, wife, children, and loved ones and direct their paths during our time apart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Don’t forget the promise from James 5:16b, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

And Paul writes in Romans 15:30, “I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.”

Let us be earnest in prayer for each other!

Questions to Share:

1. How are your loved ones praying for you?
2. How are you praying for your loved ones?