Tethered Motherhood: Connecting to God’s Presence in Prayer
I’ve found motherhood to be one of the hardest and most beautiful experiences. Becoming a mother came with both delight in what was gained and sorrow in the loss of what I’d previously known. I found myself thriving and stumbling—becoming another, fuller version of myself, yet also feeling depleted. And, what I most needed—long and lasting moments to behold the God holding me—was the one thing time did not seem to lend.
Our time with God, in the busyness of mothering, is often short, interrupted, and fractured into portions. It’s not always easy to draw near and dwell with him undistracted. Yet, in his grace, that’s okay. God is not disappointed with our attempts to be with him. We just need to remember there is no moment too busy or too mundane for his presence to fill.
He is as much with us in our quiet, alone times as he is in the day when we have no space of our own. We can talk with him as a baby clings to our knee. We can listen to him while we are standing at the kitchen sink. We can seek him when sitting comfortably with a Bible in hand as well as while whisking throughout our home tending to needs. When Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4), he called us to intimacy with him in all moments and in all ways. He wants a familiar and near relationship with us. One connected and tethered to his presence, mindful that he is literally there.
The encouragement is this—what Jesus desires and commands is actually available and attainable! Because he abides in us, we can persevere in keeping our intention and attention on him. He can grow and deepen our awareness of his presence—in us and around us, for us and with us.
A quote I’ve appreciated says, “unceasing prayer is a life that is increasingly attuned to God in all things—not in a privatized withdrawal from the world but in the midst of the hustle and bustle, busyness and pain, hurt and brokenness of our life.”[1] This is key. Being intentional and praying at all times is the means to what we desperately need.
I am thankful Jesus’s ask of us is simple: “Come to me” (Matthew 11:28). It isn’t rocket science. We only need the courage and faith to believe that we’re each capable of conversation with this Friend who never leaves. And we need the reminder that prayer is simply spending time with him.
Prayer is chatting with God, in freedom and with simplicity. In the midst of both calm and chaos, prayer moves us to internally sit still at his feet. Prayer can change our thinking and bring peace, as we remember that he controls everything. Prayer reminds us that he is the end to which we affirm and steward our callings in life. Prayer allows us to see God actively listening and responding to our needs. Prayer brings closeness and authenticity to our relationship with him. Prayer connects us to his purpose, power, and presence in our mothering.
Our prayers don’t have to end with our “amen.” Prayer, offered habitually, continually shapes our day into a worshipful, living offering. Prayer narrows the chasm between the tender work of our mothering and the tending of our own souls. Prayer brings hope, in a multitude of moments, as we become more like him while being with him.
Simply, God’s nearness is our good.[2] It—not our own selves—carries our motherhood. To mother more for him, we must be more mindful of him. To his presence, may our mothering be tethered.
Mama, would you pray this alongside me?
Lord, thank you for being ever present with me. This is what I want to continually remember. I do not want to leave you solely in the margins of my life. Please help me to live in awareness of you; a life prayerful and not distracted and forgetful. In all of the parts of my day, I want to lean into talking with you, without limiting the conversation in any way. I believe you will draw near to me as I seek to meet you in both fullness and emptiness.. This is the lifestyle I want my kids to see. This is the lifestyle I pray they will also lead. Holy Spirit, I’m trusting you to help me. Amen.
[1] M. Robert Mulholland, Jr., Invitation to a Journey (Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2016), 165.
[2] Psalm 73:28
