The Power of Prayer in the Trenches

The Bible tells us that the antidote for Jesus’ mounting to-do list was one thing – prayer.

Posted on

I know what it’s like to be in the deep trenches of motherhood. I had my first 3 babies in less than 3 years. During that time, my husband worked long hours. Date nights and time to myself were rare. I didn’t realize then how stressed I was, but looking back, I realize I was being crushed by my responsibilities and the high expectations I set for myself.

I don’t say this to boast about how busy I was as a mom, but only to let you know that I’ve been “there,” and to some degree, I’m still there. Currently, I’m homeschooling 3 kids ages 8 and under with a toddler in tow. My days are still very full. My mission of motherhood is very clearly set before me as I teach, disciple, and love my little ones.

It can be tempting to assume my mounting responsibilities give me a sort of “pass” on daily time alone with God. But recently, God opened my eyes to this truth – Jesus had the most superior mission ever – rescuing a dying world – and He knew He couldn’t accomplish His mission alone, so it would be foolish of me to think I can accomplish my mission alone.

As Jesus’ responsibilities grew, the Bible tells us that the antidote for His mounting to-do list was one thing – prayer. Luke 5:15-16 says, “Yet the news about him spread all the more so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

If I reword this passage for myself, it would say something like, “Yet the many children in her home came to her to teach them, break up their fights, and listen to their stories. But Julie often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Typically, when I have time to withdraw, my go-to choice of action isn’t prayer. However, since God opened my eyes to see the importance of depending on Him through prayer, I started finding pockets of time to pour out my heart to Him throughout the day. I’m so thankful for a God who loves me enough to always be available to me. And not only is He available, but He WANTS me to come to Him because apart from Him, I can do nothing.

“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” Psalm 73:2

 

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Julie Parido

Featured Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

 

The views and opinions expressed by Kingdom Winds Collective Members, authors, and contributors are their own and do not represent the views of Kingdom Winds LLC.

About the Author

Julie Parido is a Christ-follower, wife to Mike, and homeschooling mom to four wonderful children in a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. With a Communications degree and Bible minor from Cedarville University and training in biblical counseling, she is passionate about helping children and their parents know and apply God’s Word. Connect with Julie online at instagram.com/julieparido.