How to Make Time for Prayer & Devotion for Moms

We love our kids and our family. There is nothing that we won’t do for our little ones. But let’s face it: moms are busy and tired, and that’s an understatement. I don’t know how other moms with more than two kids can take care of everyone and get the house cleaned and organized every day. I only have two, and it is hard work!

We take care of everybody but neglect ourselves. One thing I find helpful in self-care is finding time to connect with our Lord, who gives us rest both physically and spiritually.

Psalm 63:1-8

1You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;

I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,

in a dry and parched land where there is no water.

2I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.

3Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

4I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.

7Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.

The Lord’s heart is tender towards moms. He loved his own mom and made sure she was taken care of before He died on the cross.

Psalm 40:11

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young.

Jesus sees your heart and all that you do for your kids and family. You have a lot on your plate, you are exhausted, and you may be carrying your family’s burdens every day. All you get at the end of the day for yourself is a few minutes for a shower and to brush your teeth.

The Lord knows this season of your life, and He cares about you. He does not want you to live in guilt and shame because you can’t spend hours reading and studying the Bible and praying.

He honors the heart that seeks Him, whether it’s 15 minutes or one hour of devotion. This season of busyness, exhaustion, and chaos while caring for little ones will pass. Then you will have more time to spend praying and studying the Word.

Meanwhile, fill your heart with worship, memory verses, and conversations with the Lord throughout your day.

Isaiah 40:8

The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.

Here are some ideas you might find helpful in carving out time to spend with the Lord throughout your day.

Daily Rhythms & Habits

1. Wake up 10 minutes earlier
   Start your day with God before the house wakes up—even a few quiet minutes matter. The key is being quiet before the Lord while setting your heart to be connected to the Holy Spirit and to discern His will for the day.

2. Pray before getting out of bed
   Begin with gratitude and surrender before your feet hit the floor. This is powerful. You will feel grounded even on days you don’t feel put together. Even a 5-minute prayer of submission, peace, and dedicating your day, yourself and your family to the Lord makes a world of difference in establishing the right frame of mind and attitude of your heart.

Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Proverbs 8:17 (KJV)

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

Psalm 119:147 (NKJV)

I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word.

Mark 1:35 (NIV)

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

3. Keep a Bible by your bedside
   Make it easy to reach for Scripture first thing in the morning or at night. I have my bible in the same spot every day right next to the couch where I sit every single day. It’s been marked, highlighted and sticky noted on many pages.

What bible verses should you read? Where should you start? Should you use a reading plan, or can you just read randomly based on how you feel on a given day?

I would say having a plan to read the entire bible is a good start. This gives you the overview of the bible from the Old Testament through the New Testament. Some recommend reading through the bible once every year. Currently, I have been reading through and digesting the Gospel of Mark. I enjoy going slow because after reading a passage, I think about it and I ask questions. I also ask the Lord and do some research. I sometimes dwell on a passage for a few days before I move on. Partly because I don’t have hours to study and meditate, I have a few minutes.

Here are some ideas to help you determine how you’d want to read the bible.

· Set your own reading plan. Pick a book in the bible, read a few chapters a day. Aim to finish the book before moving to another one. If you write a journal, use it to write down your thoughts and what you’ve learned.

· Use a short devotional plan that fits into your busy schedule.

· Use a bible reading plan or calendar which you can find online for free or purchase for a small amount.

4. Read during breakfast
   Open your Bible while sipping coffee or eating—simple and consistent. This will be doable if you eat breakfast or drink coffee before the kids get up.

On-the-Go Moments

This will only work if you can quiet your mind and focus while driving or running errands. Instead of thinking about your worries and stress, keep your heart focused on the Lord and what you read in the bible that morning.

5. Listen to the Bible in the car
   Turn commute or school drop-offs/pickups into sacred time.

6. Pray while driving
   The moment I start that engine on my way to drop off my kiddo to school and on to work; I start talking with the Lord again. The whole 15-minute drive is spent in silence before the Lord, praying for my petitions, or worshipping. I started praying while driving a few years ago when I was having such a hard time at work. I remember crying and praying on my way to work and on the way back home, and it’s become a habit for me.

7. Play Scripture or worship songs while driving.
   YouTube is a free resource that now has the bible being read aloud. You may also use a bible app.

8. Pray while waiting
   Doctor’s offices, pickup lines, or appointments become prayer opportunities. Read or listen anytime you have a spare moment.

Multitasking with Purpose

9. Pray while doing chores
   Folding laundry or washing dishes becomes meaningful time with God. Let God’s Word fill your space while you cook or clean.

10. Write Scripture on sticky notes
    Place them around the house as reminders to pause and reflect. As an alternative, use a phone wallpaper that has bible verses. These are now available for purchase at I’m Set Apart shop.

11. Memorize one verse a week
    Keep God’s Word in your heart even when you’re busy. Phone wallpapers will also help in memorizing your bible verse, available at I’m Set Apart shop.

12. Pray while exercising
    Turn walks or workouts into spiritual renewal.

13. Combine quiet time with kids’ nap time
    Use even a few minutes wisely while the house is still.
    

Include Your Kids

This is a fun way to spend time with the Lord – doing it with your children. The Lord loves kids and I’m sure He will be pleased that you and your children are learning and experiencing Jesus together!

14. Read the Bible together
    Even a short passage builds both your faith and theirs. I have a friend who has three young children aged seven and below. They read the Scripture during a meal. They also ask questions and discuss what they have read.

15. Include devotion in your curriculum. If you are homeschooling your kids, include devotion as part of your curriculum. You may do your own devotion while your kids are also doing theirs.

16. Pray with your children
    Model a prayerful life while growing together. Also let the kids say a short prayer for their friends, the family pet, or any family member they feel close to.

17. Do a family devotion
    Keep it simple and age-appropriate. Make it fun and engaging by asking questions and discussing your kids’ answers.

18. Sing worship songs together
    Turn everyday moments into praise.

19. Talk about God throughout the day
    Make faith part of normal conversation.
    

Evening Reflection

20. End your day with prayer
    Reflect, thank God, and release your worries before sleep.

21. Keep a prayer journal
    Write short prayers or thoughts to stay connected.

22. Read one Psalm before bed
    Let Scripture calm your heart at night.
    

Psalm 63:6-7

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Mindset & Grace

23. God is not done with us yet. If you fail to do your devotion one day, there is always tomorrow to start anew. His mercies are new every morning. Don’t beat yourself up. We are all a work in progress 😊

24. Let go of perfection
    Even a few minutes with God is meaningful—consistency matters more than length.

25. Create a simple routine
    Attach prayer and Scripture to something you already do daily. Build a rhythm that works for you and try to be consistent. Once you’ve established a habit, making time to spend with the Lord will be a lot easier!

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for meeting me in the middle of my busy life. Help me to seek You first, even in the small moments. Give me a desire for Your Word and a heart that longs to be with You. Teach me to turn my daily routines into opportunities to connect with You. Strengthen me, guide me, and fill my day with Your presence. Amen.

Download this Practical Guide to make time for bible reading and prayer for Moms in PDF fomat.

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