The Reason I Choose to Pray
“Prayer is the vision of the believer. It gives eyes to our faith. In prayer we see beyond ourselves and focus spiritual eyes on God’s infinite power. Prayer is also man’s ultimate indication of trust in his heavenly Father. Only in prayer do we surrender our problems completely to God and ask for divine intervention.”
— Dick Eastman, The Hour That Changes the World
A New Season for Our Family
This school year looks different for our family.
We decided to move together for my husband's six-month military training. In military life, it’s common to only know one assignment at a time, with little clarity about what comes next. Since there’s a possibility he’ll be assigned overseas after this, we chose to be together now—during this in-between season.
After several years of homeschooling—like many military families—we decided it was time for a change. Our kids are now enrolled in the on-post military schools, and we’re all adjusting to new rhythms and routines.
A Mother's Role in Transition
As a mother, I’ve worked full-time, part-time, and have had seasons of being fully at home. This season feels new and unfamiliar. Like the kids, I’m meeting new people, finding my footing, and trying to establish a rhythm for our family.
Mothers wear many hats. We carry great influence in our homes, though it’s easy to underestimate it. Our attitude often sets the tone. Whether we're aware of it or not, our presence and outlook shape the atmosphere our children live in—and can impact others around us as well.
Community and Dependence
There’s a unique camaraderie among military spouses. We tend to connect quickly—it’s a sink-or-swim lifestyle, and I choose to swim. Many of us are experiencing similar transitions and long for meaningful connection.
We often pride ourselves on being resilient and capable. But the older I get, the more I recognize my deep dependence on God—for grace, strength, wisdom, and so much more.
I’ve always had a relationship with God. It’s where I find my strength to embrace change with joy. When life is unpredictable and we don’t get to choose our next step, it requires a deeper trust in God’s sovereignty.
That’s why I choose to pray.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
— Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Why I Pray: A 3-Fold Reason
Recently, I posted a 30-day Back-to-School Prayer Calendar for parents. Whether you homeschool or send your kids to school, parenting makes one thing abundantly clear—we can’t do this alone.
Our children didn’t come with instruction manuals. Each one is unique. Prayer is how I acknowledge that my children are a gift—and I need God's wisdom to steward them well.
1. Prayer Is Open Communication with God
From the beginning, God designed us for relationship. He walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden. After the fall, God continued to make a way to dwell with His people—through the tabernacle, the temple, and ultimately through Jesus.
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God... the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
— Romans 8:14–15 (NIV)
Jesus is Immanuel, meaning "God with us." When we accept Him as Lord and Savior, we’re adopted into God’s family. We become His children.
Prayer is my ongoing line of communication with God—not just to worship Him, but to seek His wisdom as a mother. Just as in any healthy relationship, communication is key. Prayer keeps me connected to God in every season.
2. Prayer Surrenders My Will and Declares My Dependence
We’re surrounded by information—endless blogs, books, podcasts, and yes, AI like ChatGPT! But knowledge isn’t the same as wisdom.
When I pray and ask God for parenting help, I’m humbling myself. I’m saying, “I don’t know everything. I need You.”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)
Even Jesus said He only did what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19). If He needed to seek the Father’s direction, how much more do we?
3. Prayer Aligns My Life with His Will
Life is busy. I thought that with two of my three children out of the house, I’d finally have more time. But somehow, it’s just as full.
It’s easy to go about our day without checking in with God—but that’s when we risk drifting from His best. Prayer grounds me. It centers me in truth and aligns my heart with His will for the day, my parenting, and my life.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
— Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Praying scripture over my children helps shape my desires to reflect God's. It’s not about reciting words—it’s about speaking life and truth over their futures and inviting God to move.
And Why I Write
I write all of this to encourage you.
As I navigate my spiritual journey—knowing and loving God while being a mother, wife, and military spouse—I want to bring others along with me. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe we’re not alone in our parenting journey.
Let’s build a community rooted in God’s Word, dependent on His grace, and strengthened by one another.
Join Me on the Journey
💬 What’s one thing you’re praying for your children this season?
Want a copy of the 30-Day Back-to-School Prayer Calendar?
📖 Let’s pray scripture together—for our kids, for our homes, and for our hearts.