I want to share with you a story about a frustrated mom who needed some prayers and joy in her life. Through the prayers of her children, she saw what God saw and the need to change. I hope her story inspires, encourages, and convicts you.

We had just finished our family Bible time and Isaac, my oldest, asked to close in prayer.

I’m not sure what else he said but my ears sure perked up on this part, “Please help us not to stress mom out today and for her not to get frustrated with us.”

Now I know that y’all are probably a lot less stubborn than me! You would have heard this prayer as a gentle nudging from the Lord to ask for forgiveness and some help. But, not this gal, nope!

I was convinced that things were fine and it was them that just pushed my buttons. It’s not my fault they can’t listen, right? Sure, I got a little stressed. You know the mom in her natural habitat with too much laundry and dishes, being overworked and underpaid, and all that!

 So, I should not have been surprised when a couple of days later, my daughter’s prayer sounded oh so similar. It went something like this: “Jesus, please help my mom not get mad today and help us just do our school work and listen.”

This was a total wakeup call!! Not just my first born, attentive child but my third, non-observant one was picking up on my frustration and bad attitude too. This had to be dealt with.

God Gets Our Attention

God was really trying to get my attention and I wanted to listen and let Him change me. While I was touched by their prayers, and proud of their faith, I was totally broken over my letting my flesh win.

It doesn’t matter that my toddler had been whiny, my preteen had been slacking on his school work, the sink had clogged for the millionth time, or that my old back injury was acting up. Regardless of outward circumstances, I wanted them to see a mom filled with the patience, joy and peace of Christ.

He will get our attention. He used my children’s honest and heartfelt prayers to get mine. When we seem to think it’s everyone else or every situation that’s the problem and we are just fine, it’s time to reevaluate and have a conversation with God.

 He loves us too much to leave us carrying burdens on our own. He promised rest, peace, and joy and when we seek Him, we will find it! ( To the Mom Who Needs REST)

Steps to Restoring Joy

Step One was to get alone in my room with the Lord and ask for forgiveness and for His help in restoring my joy and peace in our home. (How to Keep a Clean Heart)

Step Two was to sit all four kids down and to ask their forgiveness. I wanted to also let them know that with the Lord’s help, mom was going to get her act together.

Step Three, I started praying prayers of scripture each day to help me walk in patience, joy, and peace. I hope these are helpful to another mom who might find herself stuck in a rut of frustration and stress.

Scriptural Prayers for the Frustrated Mom

(Printable version below.)

I chose 7 verses along with sample prayers to help any Mommas stuck in a similar rut get started for a week. I know that the Lord will guide you to more scriptures. Try writing your prayers out in a journal beside the scriptures and see how He answers. I’d love to hear how He spoke to you and how He led you from the frustrated mom to the joyful mom through His word and prayers.

Prayers for Patience for the Frustrated Mom

• “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-4 (NIV)

 Dear Lord, it is very hard to count it joy when I feel like I’m facing so many stresses and trials in life. But, your word says that this testing on my faith will produce patience. So, Lord, keep me joyful and faithful so that my patience will grow. I want your will in my life above my own comfort.

Prayers for a Spiritual Mind

• “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 (NIV)

God, as I meditate on your word, transform my mind. I surrender my will and control to Yours so that your Spirit may breathe life and peace into me. Also, I want to pour out life and peace into my home. I want to set an example of a woman of peace and patience that my daughters can imitate and my sons can pray for in a future wife.

Prayers for a Willing Spirit

• “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalms 51:12 (NIV)

Oh Lord, restore to me the joy of Your salvation, remind me of the hope I have in you, and sustain me in the difficult moments. Grant me a willing Spirit to obey you in all things. Thank you for generously forgiving me and allowing me a second chance to be a joyful mom.

How to Have Joy in Christ that Overflows

Prayers to Rejoice Always

• ” Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

 Heavenly Father, in scripture, you command us to rejoice always. Help me to rise each morning rejoicing in my salvation, in your love and in your presence. Help me to rejoice in you always.

Prayers for Complete Joy for the Frustrated Mom

• “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24 (NIV)

 Lord, your promise says to ask and receive that my joy may be full. I am asking now for patience with my children; joy in my life as a wife and mother, and for peace to rest in you.

Prayers for Peace

• “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33(NIV)

Jesus, you promised that in You will we have peace because you have overcome the world. I thank you for that. Help me to give up my control and worry for Your peace knowing that even in the troubles, You are with me.

Prayers for Humility and Gentleness

• Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

Patient and Gentle Lord, I need You to make alive your Spirit within me so that I too can be humble, gentle, and patient. Help me to bear others in love especially in times of trouble. Allow others to see You in me!

Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of frustration and stress in Motherhood? What helped you? Any advice or scriptures to add for our readers? Comment below.