Mother’s Day – “Spiritual Mothers” 

Happy Mother’s Day!  Today we’re going to talk about the idea of “spiritual mothering.” In light of the cultural and even governmental pressures on the family and attempts to redefine the roles of family members, it’s best for us as people of faith to seek the clarity of Scripture about such things – and the story of Samuel’s mother, Hannah, is a great place to find that clarity.

1.  Hannah Responded to Opposition with Prayer 

• As his mother-to-be, Hannah’s greatest concern was Samuel’s spiritual development – that he would become everything that God created and called him to be. She wanted to fulfill her role not just as his physical mother, but as his spiritual mother – the female parent who nurtures, cares for and protects the most essential part of her child.
• Prior to Samuel’s birth, Hannah suffered not only the shame of not having any children of her own, but also the taunts of her husband’s other wife, Peninnah. But Hannah didn’t respond to the taunts with anger or retribution – she prayed, and prayed faithfully.
• The prayers of a spiritual mother (or grandmother) are powerful. The Bible is full of examples of women who prayed at critical times and gained the favor of God for their children, grandchildren, or their whole nation – women like Deborah, Esther, Mary, Elizabeth, Lois and Eunice.

2. Why is ‘Spiritual Mothering’ Needed? 
   
   • As in every generation, a spiritual battle is underway for the future of our families and our children. That battle won’t be won by power or riches or after-school activities; it will only be won by the Spirit of God through prayer. Prayer for our kids is critical, especially by “spiritual mothers.”
   • Hannah’s prayers for Samuel demonstrate three stages or components of our prayers for our kids or grandkids (or our other “spiritual kids”):
     
     1. The Petition – Hannah had a clear request for God: she asked for a son. We need to be clear and specific in what we’re asking for when it comes to our children and their futures.
     2. The Process – After we put our petition before God, there’s a process we have to go through – a process of patience and persistence and endurance that shows that we trust that God has heard our petition and will act on it. 
     3. The Plan – Like Hannah, when we believe that God hears and will act on our prayers, we should plan and prepare for his answer to those prayers – and prepare our children, grandchildren and “spiritual children” for specific things that we expect God will do in their lives.
   • Spiritual mothers weep, wean and worship. They weep before God as they pray, knowing that God alone can bring their children to himself and place his calling on their lives. They must wean their children from dependence on their parents to set them free to live out God’s calling. And they should worship God, knowing that he hears their prayers and will honor them in their children’s lives.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE

These passages may provide additional insights related to the subject of this week’s message. All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted.

Psalm 127:3; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:1-4; 1 Timothy 1:5-6; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 John 5:13-15

Video of the Week: Proverbs by the Bible Project

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

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1. How did your own mother (or grandmother, or other “spiritual mother”) help to guide your spiritual journey growing up? 

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2. In what ways do the “distractions” in life – sports, school, other activities – affect the spiritual development of our kids (positively or negatively)?  

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3. In your view, who has (or should have…) the most influence on the spiritual development of “church kids” – the church or the family?  Explain your answer.

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4. Read 1 Samuel 1:11 again. After God granted Hannah’s petition and gave her a son, she literally gave him up to Eli the priest to serve God for his whole life. Should Christian parents have a similar mindset – a mindset of “giving” their children to God?  Why or why not?

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5. The (Mother’s Day) message was, of course, focused on the role of mothers in their children’s spiritual development.  What, in your view, is the role of “spiritual fathers” in kids’ spiritual lives?

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6. It’s never too late to influence your children’s spiritual life and help guide them to Jesus. If you had the chance, what one message would you give your kids based on what you’ve learned in your own spiritual journey?  Explain your answer.

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