The Power of a Mother's Prayers

Mothers like Hannah (the mother of Samuel), Jochebed (the mother of Moses), and Mary (the mother of Jesus) exemplified unwavering faith and trust in God.

Hannah made a vow in 1 Samuel 1:11 saying: “I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life.” She actually made that vow before her son was even born. Her earnest prayers led to the birth of Samuel, who became one of Israel’s greatest prophets.

While Jochebed doesn't speak in the biblical account of her actions in Exodus 2:1-10, her actions speak volumes about her faith and trust in God with her infant son. 

“But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile.” (Exodus 2:3)

God returned Moses and allowed Jochebed to raise him and to teach him faith in God. Then, when he was older, Jochebed took him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. This was all part of God's sovereign plan to rescue the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt.

Mary’s prayer (Luke 1:46-55), also known as the Magnificat, is filled with Old Testament passages, reflecting her deep knowledge and love for God’s Word.

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”

As a humble servant, Mary's life reminds us that humility often involves sacrifice and enduring hardship. But it also brings great blessings — not just for ourselves, but lasting effects for others. Mary was the means through which God's promise of a Savior was fulfilled.

These ordinary women with extraordinary faith remind us to never underestimate the power of a praying mother as they are anchored in the power and goodness of God. May we be encouraged to pour out our hearts like Hannah, completely trust God like Jochebed, and sing songs of praise to magnify the Lord like Mary.

Happy Mother's Day!