Prayers Don’t Expire
The Lasting Power of a Mother’s Faith and the Call for Fathers to Rise
I remember a pivotal time in my life, like it was yesterday. As a five-year-old, I noticed something different about my mom's Bible. It was covered, smothered, and chunked with highlights and notes. No, Waffle House wasn’t spilled on it—her life was. And that left a massive impact on my faith today.
Subconsciously, I saw the work she put into building her faith. With my eyes, I saw the actions that backed it up—prayer, Bible study, and daily devotion. When I was nine years old, a tree limb tragically took her life while she was on her normal everyday run—just three months after my parents had announced their shocking divorce. Though she is not here physically, her prayers still cover her seven children.
Her faithfulness reminds me of today’s reading in Isaiah. In chapter 32, Isaiah gives a stern and direct warning to the women. Twelve verses are dedicated to the women of his time. One verse in particular, Isaiah 32:15, says:
“Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field…”
This is what happens when parents—mothers and fathers—pray over their children. It may feel like nothing is happening, but in time, the Spirit moves, and faith grows.
A Woman’s Faith is a Pillar in the Home
1. She Sets the Spiritual Atmosphere
A mom’s faith, prayers, and daily actions create the spiritual foundation of the home.
She shapes her kids’ first understanding of God’s love, grace, and truth through conversations, bedtime prayers, and how she responds to life’s challenges.
Studies show that kids are most likely to adopt faith when they see it lived out consistently in their mother’s life.
2. She is the Heart of the Home
Moms bring warmth, emotional stability, and nurturing that make a house feel like a home.
She often carries the weight of teaching values, encouraging kindness, and fostering connection among family members and friends.
Whether she works outside the home or not, her presence, words, and actions shape the tone and culture of the family.
3. She is a Prayer Warrior & Legacy Builder
A mother’s prayers don’t expire—they cover her kids long after they leave home.
She intercedes for her children’s future, faith, and protection, often praying over them before they even understand the power of prayer themselves.
The faith she models today sets a legacy for generations—her kids will remember the way she sought God in all things.
A study by the Barna Group highlights the significant role mothers play in their children's spiritual development. The research found that practicing Christian teenagers often identify their mothers as the primary source of spiritual guidance and instruction. Specifically, mothers are seen as the foremost partners in prayer (63%) and conversations about God (70%), the Bible (71%), or other faith questions (72%). Additionally, mothers are typically the ones encouraging church attendance (79%) and teaching kids about the Bible (66%), God's forgiveness (66%), and religious traditions (72%).
But while a mother’s faith is foundational, the spiritual health of a family is not hers to carry alone. Fathers have a God-given responsibility to lead, nurture, and disciple their children—yet too often, their role in faith formation is overlooked or minimized.
Where Are the Fathers?
Not so fast, fellas. Keep reading. The spiritual health of a family is not just a mother’s responsibility. There is an epidemic of spiritual anemia among men in their homes, and it is destroying families—and as a result, the world. Want to fix the world? The nation? Politics? Your community? Start in your home.
Redefining Fatherhood
YOU are not just a provider or an authority figure—you are a faith warrior, nurturer, and leader. Did you cringe when I said the word "nurturer"? That’s a sign you need to grow in that area. So hug your daughter or son, kiss them, and say “I love you.”
Your daughter is thirteen and her body is changing? Thats normal. Hug her the same way you did when she was two. Stop making her feel insecure about herself.
Here is what God has helped me do with my kids every day:
1. Pray for Them
No, not just for meals! Before their eyes open and God gives them the gift of another day, I have already covered them in prayer and spent time in the Word.
I often empower my wife and kids to pray too. My eldest just turned four, but when she learned how to speak, she started to pray. Why? Because she saw her mom and dad do it.
I bless my children. As the father of the house, I understand the power of speaking blessings over them.
Pray for yourself and your wife as well! Not thinking or praying for yourself is not humility—it is neglect. You can only pour out what you have been given.
2. Teach Them Scripture & Play with Them
We are rereading the whole Bible this year (Kids Bible) and memorizing scripture together.
Do you have your first child on the way? Read the Bible to your child in the womb! It’s one of the only times they’ll sit still (haha), but also, talk about building a spiritual foundation.
“But James, they don’t understand.” How do you know? John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb when Jesus entered the room inside Mary’s womb (Luke 1:41).
3. Play with Your Kids
When 5 PM rolls around, put your phone down and play with your kids. Even if they don’t pay attention to you—lead by example!
How you treat your wife in front of them will shape how they view relationships for life.
4. Be Intentional with Time
Spend at least 15 minutes a day focused on each child.
Take each child on an adventure once a month. Pick a book for each child and write them a note about the adventure. When they hit a milestone—thirteen or eighteen—give them the book. Talk about an identity booster!
5. Learn to Say Sorry—Fast!
This is my favorite and most hated one—how could I mess up as a dad to three incredible little girls? Because I’m human. But I have said sorry and asked for forgiveness many times.
Men, It’s Time to Step Up
I did my best to keep up with my birth dad after my parent’s divorce, but he never had the courage to reconcile or be real about the past. He never met my girls nor my siblings’ kids (ten unseen grandkids). Last year, he had a sudden heart malfunction, and his hurting lungs couldn’t handle it. He died—buried reconciliation, answers, and courage.
I am angry, sad, and sorry for him—and yes, I forgave him long ago. But I already have the answer. The answer is Jesus. And in pursuing this answer, God has redeemed my story.
Never Finished Challenge
To mothers: Keep praying, because your prayers don’t expire.
To fathers: Lead like Jesus. Your kids don’t just need a provider—they need a spiritual foundation.
To both parents: Your kids will remember what you show them, not just what you say.
“I remember my mom’s highlighted Bible, and it still speaks to me today. What will your kids remember?”
And no, it is NEVER too late to start.
For Your Pocket: A faithful parent produces eternal hope in their children, environment, and community.
What does today say about God?
God is a good, good Father, intentionally weaving a foundation of transformation in me, my kids, and everyone around me. Nothing from today is from my own understanding—it is all gifted from Him. Thank you, Jesus, for your example!
This is so good! Praying many parents read it and are inspired to reshape their family culture!