The faith and prayers of mothers can have a profound impact on the lives of their children. First Samuel 1 records Hannah's plea and God's answer in the birth of her son Samuel. And in a letter to Timothy, Paul referred to the faith of Timothy's mother, which I'm sure was often expressed in earnest prayer on his behalf. No wonder he was used of God in the early church.

I know a pastor's wife who is a woman of prayer. Whenever her husband left for an important meeting or visit, she prayed a sentence or two for him, asking the Lord's guidance, protection, wisdom, and strength. She usually prayed aloud and the children often heard her, but she never thought much about the impact it would have on them.

Imagine this mother's delight when her college-bound daughter said that leaving home would be easier because she knew that her mother would pray for her--and keep on praying!

Sometimes mothers feel frustrated because they think they are limited in what they can do for their children. But they can always pray--and their prayers are among the most cherished gifts of all.  — David C. Egner