The Power of a Praying Mother
Scroll to read a recap of Pastor Lee Cummings’ sermon from May 11, 2025
The Power of a Praying Mother…
One truth continues to echo across generations: the prayers of a mother are powerful, persistent, and transformative.
This Mother’s Day, we’re not just celebrating the nurturing love of moms—we’re honoring the spiritual warriors who contend for the next generation on their knees. There’s perhaps no better example of this than Hannah, whose story in 1 Samuel shows us what it looks like when a mother partners with God in faith, surrender, and revival.
Hannah wasn’t just praying for a child. She was interceding for a move of God—and she didn’t even know it yet. Her desperate cry for a son became the seed of revival in Israel. Her son Samuel would go on to anoint kings, hear God’s voice in a time of silence, and lead a nation back to the Lord.
That’s the power of a praying mother.
Her Tears Were Not in Vain
Scripture tells us in Psalm 56:8 that God collects every tear. And Hannah’s were many. Weeping in the temple, misunderstood by the priest, barren and broken—yet never bitter toward God. Her tears weren’t signs of weakness; they were offerings of faith. Moms, if your pillow is soaked from prayers no one sees, be encouraged: Heaven sees. God responds.
Her Prayers Thundered in Heaven
Though Hannah’s lips moved silently, her heart roared in the courts of heaven. Her wordless cry carried weight. We often think revival comes with loud declarations, but sometimes it begins in a whisper. A single mom, on her knees, contending for something only God can do. And He did it.
She Didn’t Let Go
Hannah pressed in. Year after year, she returned to the temple, bringing her anguish, her longing, and her faith. Persistent prayer doesn’t mean repeating words—it means holding onto hope, even when everything around you says, “Let go.” Her honest, wrestling kind of prayer invites us to keep coming back, believing God can still break through.
She Surrendered the Gift
When Samuel was born, Hannah did the unthinkable—she gave him back. She entrusted her answered prayer to the One who gave it. There’s a lesson here: praying mothers don’t just fight for their children—they release them into God’s hands. Surrender isn’t losing control; it’s aligning with heaven’s plan.
She Formed a Generation Through Prayer
Hannah’s prayers didn’t stop when Samuel was born. They shaped him. Guided him. Protected him. Like Paul said in Galatians 4:19, he labored “until Christ is formed” in the church. Praying mothers do the same with their children. Prayer isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a lifelong labor of love.
This legacy doesn’t end with Hannah. It flows through Lois and Eunice, and it lives on today—in every mother, grandmother, spiritual mentor, and “mom figure” who lifts up names before the Lord, not just for comfort, but for revival.
And here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a biological mom to carry the heart of one. If you’re nurturing faith, interceding for others, or standing in the gap for a generation—you’re part of this holy work.
To those walking through infertility or loss, take heart. God sees you. He hears your cry. And His faithfulness never fails.
This Mother’s Day, we honor the praying women—the ones who war in secret, believe in the dark, and sow seeds of revival with every whispered prayer.
You are shaping generations.
Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep contending.
God moves when mothers pray—and through your faithful intercession, revival is on the way.
Tap to watch Pastor Lee Cummings’ full sermon on Youtube.
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this sermon:
Day 1: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1–20
Devotional: Hannah's story reminds us that our prayers are never wasted, even when we feel unheard. God collects our tears and remembers every cry of our heart. Reflect today on a prayer you've been persistently bringing before God. How has this journey of prayer shaped your faith? Even in silence, God is working. Your perseverance in prayer is shaping Christ-like character in you. Take courage from Hannah's example and continue to pour out your heart to God, trusting in His perfect timing and wisdom.
Day 2: Finding Favor in Contending with God
Reading: Genesis 32:22–32
Devotional: Jacob wrestled with God all night, refusing to let go until he received a blessing. Similarly, Hannah poured out her complaint and grief before the Lord. Both found favor with God through their persistent contending. Consider today an area of your life where you need to "wrestle" with God. Are you withholding honesty about your frustrations or doubts? God invites us into a raw, authentic relationship, not intimidated by our questions or complaints. Bring them before Him today, trusting that in this process, you’ll find His favor and blessing.
Day 3: Surrendering Our Children to God
Reading: 1 Samuel 1:21–28, Luke 2:22–35
Devotional: Hannah's dedication of Samuel and Mary and Joseph's presentation of Jesus in the temple teach us a profound truth: our children ultimately belong to God. As parents, guardians, or spiritual mentors, we are entrusted with nurturing and guiding them, but their lives are in God's hands. Consider prayerfully how you can "loan" the children in your life to the Lord. This may mean releasing your own plans and expectations for them and trusting in God's purposes. How can you actively dedicate them to God's service and kingdom work today?
Day 4: The Legacy of Generational Faith
Reading: 2 Timothy 1:3–7, Psalm 78:1–8
Devotional: Paul recognized the generational faith passed down to Timothy through his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. This echoes the psalmist’s call to share God’s works with the coming generation. Consider your own spiritual legacy today. What faith lessons have been passed down to you? How are you actively passing on your faith to others, whether biological children or spiritual sons and daughters? Pray for God’s wisdom in nurturing faith in the next generation, knowing your prayers and example will impact generations to come.
Day 5: Trusting God in Seasons of Waiting
Reading: Psalm 27:13–14, Isaiah 40:28–31
Devotional: Hannah’s years of barrenness, and the pastor’s testimony of praying for a prodigal for a decade, remind us that God often works in seasons of waiting. While these times can be painful, they are opportunities for deep spiritual growth. Reflect on a current "waiting season" in your life. How might God be forming Christ in you during this time? Remember, those who sow in tears will reap with joy (Psalm 126:5). Ask God for strength to keep believing, even when you can’t see the outcome, trusting that He is renewing your strength as you wait on Him.