Mother’s Day is a time to reflect on and honor moms. For some women, it’s a much-anticipated day full of happy memories and gratitude. But for others, it’s a day reminiscent of failure, pain, and loss. How can you, as a husband, pray for your wife on Mother’s Day? What can you do to navigate the emotions that are triggered by this day?
1. Pray for understanding of your wife’s perspective on Mother’s Day.
If your wife has a good relationship with her mom and your marriage is solid, it’s probably a very joyful day. So celebrate. Honor your wife with cards, flowers, breakfast in bed, etc. However, if your wife recently lost her mother or she wasn’t able to have children, recognize the pain inherent in this day. Pray that you can encourage your wife in whatever state she’s in. Have empathy towards her feelings if she expresses a longing or regret. Do something that she enjoys on this day. Sometimes your role is to listen and be a good friend, not try and fix a hurt.
2. Pray for your wife’s mental and physical health.
A mom faces many challenges as she raises her children. Her job is never finished. There’s always more meals to make, more rooms to clean, more schedules to manage, more listening and advice to be given, and more laundry to do. Thank her for how she serves the family and the sacrifices she makes. Look for specific areas where you can praise her. Then either tell her or write a note to her. Ask God to strengthen your wife physically by giving her energy and good health.
3. Pray for your wife to have wisdom and spiritual discernment.
Moms have the enormous responsibility and privilege of modeling godly character to their kids. Ask God to give your wife insight into the personalities of your children. What are their strengths and weaknesses? Where do they need encouragement? Where are they struggling? What kind of friends are they hanging out with? When your wife expresses a concern about one of your children, don’t disregard her thoughts. Listen and function as a team. How can you support her in her role? Also pray for your wife to have wisdom as she listens, instructs, encourages, and offers advice to your kids.
4. Pray for her work.
Some moms are stay-at-home moms. Others work from home. Some home school. Some travel for their job. Others work outside the home. Each of these scenarios come with their own challenges and rewards. Pray that you are sensitive to what your wife encounters each day. Ask her what was difficult about her work today and where she saw success. Pray that her reputation remains intact. Ask God to bless her with godly friends and co-workers who can impact her walk with God. Pray that she is a blessing to others and manages her responsibilities well.
5. Pray for your marriage.
When the enemy sees a strong, godly marriage his desire is to tear it down and divide a husband and wife. He uses any tactic he can – discouragement, friends, conflict, even your children. Cultivate your relationship by investing in date nights. Go on a vacation together without the kids. Give your wife a day alone by herself. Take the kids out or have your wife spend time away with friends. If you can afford it, give her a gift certificate to a spa or favorite restaurant. Then pray for your marriage. Pray that you both remain faithful to each other and to God. Pray that your love, communication, and understanding grow. Pray for patience with each other as you express your thoughts and values. Pray for unity as a couple. Pray that God is at the center of your marriage.
Honor your wife this Mother’s Day by praying for her and as you do, you will build your marriage.