When Mama Prays

I have not always been passionate about writing. In fact, it was not something I seriously considered until 2018, when I started spending time around writers who made the whole process look exciting and meaningful. Their passion for writing inspired me to begin exploring the possibility of writing myself.

In 2020, I enrolled in a one-year leadership course. One of the requirements of the program was to write a book. To be honest, I saw it as an opportunity to finally begin my writing journey.

Since prayer is such an important part of my life, my initial plan was to write a general 21-day prayer and fasting devotional. However, God had something more specific in mind.

At the time, my youngest son was about one year old. Every evening, putting him to sleep required a great deal of patience—it could easily take over an hour. One evening, instead of becoming frustrated by the long bedtime routine, I sensed the Lord prompting me to use that time differently. He placed it on my heart to intentionally pray for my son while breastfeeding him and preparing him for sleep.

For the next 21 days, I prayed for him each night. Those moments became some of the most beautiful experiences of bonding, reflection, and prayer that I have ever had as a mother. As I prayed, a thought suddenly came to me: these prayers could become a devotional.

That simple but profound realization gave birth to When Mama Prays.

Many parents know they should pray for their children. We hear it often: “Pray for your children.” However, the practical “how” is not always provided. My desire in writing When Mama Prays was to offer parents a simple, intentional, and practical guide that helps them pray purposefully for their children.

It is my prayer that this book will encourage parents to partner with God through prayer and to intentionally speak His purposes, promises, and blessings over the lives of their children.