When my children were born, I felt as if the first 12 weeks were spent doing the same things over and over, which consisted of midnight feedings, endless diaper changes, and loads upon loads of laundry. I began to wonder, “Is this it? Is this the rest of my life?”
If you’re a new mom, you can probably relate. The example prayers below are for you. I’d also like to share some encouragement for any new mom.
A New Baby Changes Everything
“I can’t remember what life was like before having my baby” is a phrase I hear frequently. This may be because motherhood is all-consuming—it affects every area of your life.
Having a baby doesn’t just change your routine, it changes you—your passions, priorities, and planning. After having our first child, I kept waiting for life to “feel normal.” Eventually, I realized that this was my new normal. Life would never be the same.
The change was amazing, but it did come with growing pains. I had to give myself permission to grieve parts of my old lifestyle that would never come back while also celebrating this new season of life.
Overcoming Mom Guilt
Mom guilt comes on fast and, unfortunately, is one way the enemy likes to manipulate us into thinking we’re doing a bad job.
Take a minute to reflect on all you have accomplished today. Even if the highlight of your day was getting your kid to daycare or not crying this morning, an accomplishment is an accomplishment!
Now, I know what you may be thinking—“Well, my kid got to daycare, but they didn’t have matching shoes, their hair wasn’t brushed, and they had a dirty diaper by the time we arrived.” Nevertheless, they made it.
To the mom who needs to hear it—you are doing a great job.
We aren’t called to be perfect moms, but we are called. We’re called to be guides, protectors, and encouragers. We’re called to love with a steadfast love. To the mom who needs to hear it, you are doing a great job.
Bring Your Best Daily
After our second child was born, this is what I would tell myself in the mid-morning hours during the third feeding in the pitch black of a quiet house: Bring your best daily. Each day looked different, so my best each day looked different.
Some days, I had gotten dressed, had coffee with a friend, cleaned the house, and cooked dinner all before my husband and older toddler got home.
But other days, I hung out on the couch in yesterday’s clothes and did nothing but snuggle my baby. Bringing your best daily is a choice, not a standard.
5 Prayers for New Moms
Motherhood may come with meal trains, check-in texts, and people saying, “Let me know what you need!” But while I was surrounded physically by people willing to help, mentally and emotionally, I felt so isolated. I was too overwhelmed to even know what to ask for.
Here’s the good news: God doesn’t need perfectly put-together prayers. He’s with us, He knows what we’re going through, and He’s right there with us every step of the way. If you’d like some help getting started in your prayers, use one of these example prayers for new moms.
1. A Prayer for New Moms
Dear Lord, help me to feel Your presence during the 2:00am wake-up calls, the frequent feedings, and the even more frequent diaper changes. In the midst of tears and exhaustion, Lord, give me the energy I need to love myself and my child fully. I pray for wisdom to remember that I am not alone. I’m drawing near to You, God. I praise You for never leaving or forsaking me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. A Prayer for Relief as a New Mom
God, sometimes I feel as though I can’t do this on my own. The constant diaper changes, feedings, physical healing, new routines, laundry … I can’t do it all. Help me give myself the same grace and mercies You give me daily. Lord, I can’t be perfect, and I don’t need to be perfect. Help me believe that today. God, Thank You for giving me unlimited grace each day. Please keep reminding me that bringing my best for today is enough. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. A Prayer for Purpose as a New Mom
Jesus, thank You for this new way of life. So many things have changed with this new little life coming into the world, and while I’m grateful, I’m struggling to get back to feeling like “me.” I praise You for the unique giftings and passions You’ve given to me. I pray that as I step into this season of motherhood that I will continue to see those giftings and passions ignite within me. Lord, I know that I still have a purpose, not only as a mother, but as a child of God. Lord, please give me clarity and open my eyes to see the unique giftings You’ve placed inside me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. A Prayer for the New Mom Who Feels Alone
Dear Lord, I’m so grateful for this new life created by You, but I also acknowledge that this season is hard. I feel so alone. I pray for reassurance that I’m not actually on my own. Jesus, I ask that I would feel Your presence, and that You would provide the right people in my life to encourage and support me. Give me people who will be there for the birthday parties and highlight moments, but also during hard days full of tears, tantrums, and sleepless nights. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. A Prayer of Encouragement for New Moms
Dear Jesus, sometimes I feel like a failure. Nothing is going right. Please help me see myself through Your eyes. Restore my confidence in Your unconditional love and the calling You’ve given me in this season. Help me see the wins of each day, no matter how small. Lord, keep reminding me that only You are perfect, and You’re not expecting me to be. Help me feel the joy of being the person You’ve called me to be, with all my imperfections and failures—and may my child learn to take joy in who You’ve called them to be, too. In Jesus’ name, amen.
No One Is Perfect
Feeling unseen, alone, underappreciated, exhausted, or helpless? God is close, and He cares. Keep going, and keep trusting God along the way. You won’t always be the perfect mom, but no one is perfect. So have grace for yourself and take this new season one moment at a time.