Text: Veronica from Mother's Prayers at Many Streams One River

I am pleased to give you the background of 'Mothers Prayers' which is the prayer group for mothers who wish to pray together for their children and grandchildren, and is for all spiritual mothers.

Over a period of time, my sister-in-law Sandra, and I, had felt a growing need to pray in a more committed way, in order to combat the problems facing our children. Sandra had been awakened in the night with the words 'Pray for your children'. This happened on two occasions ! I had been reading the Maranatha booket 'What on Earth are we doing to our children' (which is full of statistics and evidence of the dangers facing our children today) and knew the only answer was prayer.

We decided to pray, for a month in preparation. We then met with three other mothers and used the format which is now used by 'Mothers Prayers' groups throughout the world.

During our preparation period - when I prayed that the Lord would guide us and keep us on the right path - I opened up the Bible - at the page of Jeremiah 31 v 16. - If I had searched the whole Bible I could not have come up with a better verse!

"Stop your crying and wipe away your tears.
All that you have done for your children will not go unrewarded
They will return from the enemy's land
There is hope for your future
Your children will come back home
I, the Lord have spoken"

I felt the Lord placed on my heart, right at the beginning, that He was the boss and that we were his secretaries! He would guide us, open all the doors and bring the people to us. This has happened (often in the most unlikely of circumstances.) Our part was only that we should pray and listen! This was a wonderful relief, as we felt that He had taken away from us the burden and effort. He is certainly guiding us in every way.

This prayer group, although it was only started in November 1995, has spread to many, many countries throughout the world. This is in spite of the fact that we have not initiated any publicity and we have only given talks about 'Mothers Prayers' when invited.

Such blessings have come through 'Mothers Prayers' with many children coming back to their Faith, work and accommodation being found, children coming home after long absences (only recently we have been told of a mother who after praying at her very first meeting, was reconciled one week later with a daughter she had not seen for seven years! This is just one of many). We have also been told of improvements in children's health, children coming off drugs, babies being born after mothers having several miscarriages, and improved relationships.

The Lord is honouring His promise :- 'Ask and you shall receive'

Mothers too, have told us of the blessings they themselves receive, as they share in prayer with other mothers. It is such a blessing for them to be able to share their pain in a Christian, confidential way, and through their weekly meeting, a great love and compassion has developed.

At our meetings, we place a basket on the table at the foot of the Cross. During the meeting, we each put the names of our children one by one in this basket, accompanied by a prayer, as a symbol of our handing our children into the Lord's care. This is often a wonderful healing moment, as we realise that He has taken our problems.

Usually our groups are small, ranging from between two to eight mothers.

We have been asked about single women and married women without children. We welcome all women who have a desire to pray for children. We have many nuns in convents joining us in prayer too!

We ask those who feel called to start a 'Mothers Prayers' group to pray for one month in preparation before starting - a prayer to ask the Lord to guide them to the right prayer partners. If they are Catholic we recommend the meditative prayer on the Holy Family - the 3rd Joyful Mystery.

Being part of 'Mothers Prayers' is a wonderful comfort to us, especially knowing that we are united with many other mothers throughout the world and that they too are praying for our children.

These words I believe came as an inspiration through prayer..............

“Rejoice in Motherhood”
“Be aware of the responsibilities”
“Ask for protection”
“Ask for guidance”
“Ask for gentleness and a loving approach”
“Be thankful that we are not on our own but only the temporary guardians of their souls”

“Understand that Jesus loves our children even more than we do and that He is eager for their protection and growth in Him, and as He will intervene when requested, He is EAGER for our intercession for them.”

“When we pray for our children, we must try to think, what would He wish for them
- to pray for an understanding of His will for them not our own”

* * * *

Every meeting is given to the Holy Spirit for guidance and therefore we find that they all are slightly different, sometimes the emphasis is on Praise, other times on reading and praying the Scriptures - other times longer is spent on sharing and praying for each child.

Each week we may have a different reason for praying for our children or it may be "the same old story." It is good to remember the account of the unexpected guest as in Luke 11 v 5 - 13.... and keep asking..... (through this we ourselves grow - as we learn the grace of perseverance.) We must also acknowledge that our prayers are always answered - although not always in the way we expect, but always for the best - i.e. The Lord's Holy Will to be done in their lives.

At these meetings mothers may share with each other in a personal way, and they need to know that every thing they say will be kept confidential.

Therefore this assurance is given by the leader at every meeting.

There is a small booklet available, with prayers to assist you in your meetings, if you would like a copy and would like to receive newsletters etc. please contact us.

For more information see: www.mothersprayers.org/

See also: ICN 11 November 2013 Many Streams - One River - first UK gathering of New Movements

 www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=23577