The Power of a Praying Mother
PHOTO: LONDON SCOUT/UNSPLASH
by Tamika Burgess
“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” – Abraham Lincoln
For as long as I can remember, prayer has been my mother’s first defense. To this day, whenever things seem to be going wrong or when I need to be encouraged, she still asks, “Tamika, did you pray?” Those few words make the biggest impact because they remind me of what I need to do in order to get past my current problem.
There was a period of time in my mid-twenties when I was mad at the situation I was in: I had no relationship, barely any friends, and an unfulfilling job. During that time I was on a roller coaster of emotions. Instead of living life, I was just going through the motions. I felt lost and discouraged. I had no idea what I wanted to do in life.
Instead of figuring things out and making a plan for myself, I constantly stressed myself out. To keep from breaking down, I would call my mother every day to vent. She listened and then would suggest I pray and seek answers from God. During such a difficult time, that was the last thing I wanted to hear. I honestly felt I was being punished for something and praying to God was the last thing I wanted to do.
While I was so wrapped up in my feelings, thankfully, my mother was there. She understood what I was going through and told me I wouldn’t have to go through it alone. My mother told me on several occasions, “I will stand in the gap for you and will continue to pray for you.”
That statement alone made a huge difference.
My mother was there for me when I needed her the most. She stepped up and prayed for me because she knew I felt defeated. Even though she’s done that my whole life, her willingness to put herself and her other prayers to the side for me helped me get through that difficult time.
And with that act of kindness, our relationship changed. Because of our connection through prayer, my mother and I have grown closer. Prayer has become a major component of my life. And to this day, I am always pleased and honored to know my mother is always praying for me, regardless of whether or not I ask her to. I think of her prayers as her giving me a spiritual push forward; and that means the world to me.
Although we occasionally don’t see eye-to-eye, my mother is always consistent and always stands by her word. I trust her with my deepest thoughts and feelings, and she is always there to encourage me.
Having someone tell you they will pray for you might seem like nothing to some, but to me it’s everything. And that’s why I thank God every day for blessing me with my praying mother.