Joyful Moments in Christ

All of us long to be appreciated and encouraged by those we love most. There is a deep, God-given desire to hear words of blessing from our families and to know our faithfulness has not gone unnoticed. Proverbs 31:28–29 offers a beautiful picture of this kind of honor within the home. This prayer is for every woman who labors in love, whether as a mother, wife, sister, or friend, and for those who long to bless and build up the people around them. May this prayer remind us that while earthly praise is sweet, it is the approval of our heavenly Father that ultimately sustains us.

A Prayer Based on Proverbs 31:28-29

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are the one true and living God, worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. You are clothed in majesty and splendor, and your steadfast love never ceases. “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” (Psalm 113:3). You have faithfully cared for your people throughout every generation, showing patience and mercy even when we have fallen short. You are the perfect Father, the giver of every good and perfect gift, and we bless your holy name.

Lord, as we turn our hearts toward the families you have entrusted to us, we confess that we often hunger for approval and affirmation in ways that are unhealthy. We long to be noticed, to be appreciated, and to hear words of praise from those closest to us. Too easily, we seek shortcuts to admiration, doing just enough to earn a kind word or, worse, competing with others for attention. Forgive us for these selfish motives. Forgive us for forgetting that our highest aim is not to gather compliments but to bring honor to you in every part of our lives.

Thank you, Father, for the gifts and abilities you have given to each of us. Thank you for the women in our homes, churches, and communities who quietly and faithfully serve, those who raise children, tend to the needs of others, and build households filled with wisdom and kindness. Thank you for those who model the character of the Proverbs 31 woman, who rise early, work diligently, and love generously. Even when their efforts go unnoticed, you see every sacrifice, every word of encouragement, every burden carried.

We ask, Lord, that you would bless those who labor in love within their families. May their children rise up and call them blessed, and may their husbands praise them with sincere and grateful hearts (Proverbs 31:28–29). Guard our homes against bitterness when words of thanks are slow in coming. Replace resentment with peace and pride with humility. And when recognition does come, may it be a sweet reminder of your grace, not a source of vanity.

Help us all, women and men alike, to encourage one another in faithfulness. Let us honor those who quietly serve and lift up those who bear heavy burdens in secret. May our homes be places where words of kindness flow freely, and where the goodness of God is praised daily.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Respond

Please pray a prayer about honoring your family members.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can use the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication:

• Adoration: Praise God. Does this topic bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
• Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this topic bring any specific sins to mind?
• Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from this topic inspire gratitude?
• Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from this topic inspire a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.