Balancing family life and work life is really difficult. No one will tell you that until you’re actually there. Well, maybe working moms have said that too, but I never really imagined that my heart would be so torn apart until I actually started working.
I remember when my two oldest daughters were 1 and 3 and I had just finished my master’s degree in advanced literacy. Oh, that I was getting ready to realize my dream of becoming a reading specialist. Before that, I was enrolled in a master’s program, got pregnant in my first year, and had a newborn the following year. Yeah, it was interesting to say the least! I still don’t know how I managed to get through several days of work even though I was completely exhausted and running on fumes. I am very grateful for the understanding and sincere faculty.
But after those two years, when I was accepted into a school with some really great people, I knew this was an act of God. It was part of God’s plan for me and our little family. I guess you could say I’ve always had a working mom mentality. But despite being completely transparent, I felt a little guilty about it for a long time. As a working mother, mom guilt was a harsh and cruel reality for me. Maybe you can relate?
But over time, I learned that my roles as a mother and reading expert didn’t have to compete with each other. God called me to both roles, and I knew deep in my heart that He would see me through both roles.
I am currently working from home as a writer. I can definitely say I still feel the same way. My heart is still torn apart. I still struggle with guilt. I face all sorts of insecurities. But I also know that this is where God has me, and I fully believe that. So you want to know what really gets me through on tough days and difficult moments? It’s really simple. It is my lifeline to connect to God through prayer!
Friends, if you’re a working mom trying hard to make it all work while walking the tightrope between work and family life, and you have a tender heart torn in two, I get it too. But I also encourage you to lay everything at the feet of the Lord. Let’s try it today!
Below is a list of whispered prayers that you can immediately bring to the Father. Whether you’re at work, at home, or on the road, get your heart back in the right place and believe in the truth of where God has placed you on this beautiful journey of motherhood.
prayer for your confidence
Father, today I ask you to give me the confidence to fulfill all my duties at work and at home. I need your help. When I succumb to pressure and succumb to the lie that I’m not good enough or that I can’t meet this list of demands, please fight for me and push the enemy away. I am so grateful that you are my safe haven and a place I can run to when I lose sight of my worth and value (Psalm 91:1-2). Amen.
prayer for guidance
Lord, to be honest, sometimes I put on a brave attitude because I think I can do this on my own without anyone’s help. I’m sure you know this too. So help me to put my trust in You in every choice and daily decision I have to make. Give me guidance, wisdom, and a kind heart to accept your help when I am at a loss. I need and want to obey Your plan wholeheartedly because I know that Your plan is good (Jeremiah 29:11). Amen.
prayer for the protection of your family
Lord, as each new day comes, I ask for your strict protection around each and every member of my family. Help my children feel loved and cherished while they attend nursery school and school, placing a hedge of protection around them and protecting them from all harm. I ask that you do the same for my husband and me. Give us safe passage between our various destinations and our humble abodes (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Amen.
intentional prayer
Oh God, thank you for the gift of my beloved family. I am so grateful that you have given me the means to support them in this way. As I try to balance work and family life, please help me be more mindful and intentional with my time. Stay focused at work and be able to give your heart to your family when you’re at home (James 5:12). Amen.
Prayer when feeling guilty
Merciful God, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your ever-flowing mercy and grace. Extend that grace to me when this insurmountable mean mommy guilt creeps in and tries to engulf me and erase the mission you have placed on my life. When I am infected by those lies, restore me to the path of your righteousness, restore my heart, and restore your will to my heart. I love you and desire to serve only you (Romans 8:1). Amen.
prayer for friendly colleagues
Jesus, you have given us a great example of how to be a good friend. Help me to follow your loving example as I build connections in my work. Give yourself the courage to step outside your comfort zone and create a community of colleagues to become friends while fostering meaningful relationships. When the time comes, give me courage to share my story and be your witness (1 John 1:7). Amen.
Prayer for all responsibilities
Father, You have given me the strength I need to fulfill these responsibilities. I know this because you called me to them. Yet, we often feel stressed and worry taking hold of our hearts. I easily get lost and questions flood my tired mind. So I ask for your help. Give me the strength to be a good steward at work and at home. At the same time, grant me permission to rest and seek peace in you (1 Timothy 1:14). Amen.
prayer for satisfaction
Lord, I thank you for blessing my work and for being able to work for You in this way. I ask you to give me a place of contentment while I work and pursue only what you want of me. For me, it’s so easy (and human) to chase more, to want more, to want more for myself and my family. Please protect my heart. Then I can look only to what You have lying before me (Hebrews 13:5). Amen.
Prayer for patience and peace (with myself)
peace. God, I am so grateful that you are a God of peace. As I complete all my tasks at work and come home to my beloved family, please give us all peace of mind, body and soul, and give us a sense of calm as we gather at home to discuss our day. We seek your comfort and pray that you would give us insurmountable peace when life feels heavy and the burdens are too heavy to bear. Thank you for being our source of calm (Colossians 3:15). Amen.
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Alicia Searle is a dedicated author, blogger, and speaker who is passionate about pouring out her heart and leading women of all ages to Jesus. She has an academic background and holds a master’s degree in reading and writing. Her loved ones call her Mama. So much of her time is spent cheering them on at softball games and dance classes. She’s married to her crush (a tall, spiky-haired blonde) who can make a mean latte. She writes her heart on the page while sipping on the deliciousness as the puppy licks her paws. Visit her website aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
