Honest Prayers for Mama Bears: Review
Love, love, love the prayers in Honest Prayers for Mama Bears by Hillary Morgan Ferrer with Julie Loos. Their honesty reminds me of the psalms. I haven’t read the entire book because that’s not the kind of book it is. The prayers are divided into sections such as “Selfless Prayers for Self” and “Prayers You Pray You Never Have to Pray.” Pick a section and then pick a prayer, such as “While Doing Laundry.” Many prayers are followed by actions like “Honest Journaling” and “Honest Step.”
From the back cover: “In the everyday battle of raising kids who love Jesus while living in a world that doesn’t, God invites you to come to Him. No cleaning up, no pretenses, no fancy words–all you need is to tell Him what’s truly on your heart and then ask for the wisdom, encouragement, and protection that only He can provide.”
Honest Prayers for Mama Bears would make a terrific Mothers’ Day gift.
The authors have four goals. First, the prayers give readers permission to say things to God they might not have said before. Second, the prayers “model what it looks like to renew our minds (Romans 12:2), especially by focusing on gratitude.” Third, they wanted the book to be a communal experience, so there are quite a few contributors from different walks of life. Fourth, they wish to teach readers how to craft honest prayers for themselves.
Loos offers an afterword on creating a legacy of prayer. Ferrer pens an appendix on honest questions about prayer.
Excerpt from Honest Prayers for Mama Bears
Here’s an expert of one of my favorite prayers.
Eternal Perspective
God, I want to invest in what will last into eternity, but the petty things of the world keep taking my attention. I know this world is temporary and that all things here will eventually pass away, so please reform my perspective and help me prioritize what matters most. I pray that You would give me the spiritual eyes to see the things that will have eternal weight, no matter how mundane they may feel in the here and now. Lord, I know there are some battles that need to be fought, and other battles are just distractions. Please give me the wisdom to tell the difference. If there is anything I am fixating upon that’s keeping ne from eternal things, please reveal it to me.
You have put so many good things in my path, but they are not my ultimate things. Some good things may not be my responsibility. My primary tasks are being Your daughter, nurturing my marriage, and shepherding my children . Lord, may I be faith to that which You have give me, knowing the fruits of my obedience will last after I am gone. I praise You that I have more than just this life to live for. Help me to live it well, knowing that faithfulness in even the smallest of callings will echo long into eternity.
Honest Journaling
Read through Colossians 3:1-17 and meditate on it. In your journal, make a list of time-suckers in your life. Which of these things don’t really bring you refreshment or aren’t of eternal importance? Which one can you cut down on each day or week?
Hillary Morgan Ferrer with Julie Loos, Honest Prayers for Mama Bears (Harvest House, 2024)
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