Morning Prayer - For Her Invisible Burdens

Good morning, Lord. Today I come before You with my wife on my mind, thinking of her shoulders that carry a weight so often unseen. I see how she strives, and I see how she sometimes feels as if she is under constant trial, under the scrutiny of a world that judges her by the behavior of our children, the appearance of our home, her success at work, and her activities in the community.

Society places an unspoken burden upon her to be the perfect wife, mother, daughter, and friend. And when she falls short in one of these roles, she is condemned on circumstantial evidence, without compassion. I feel her distress when she worries that by focusing on one area, she is jeopardizing all the others.

And then there is the accuser of her soul, who constantly whispers of her failures and reinforces feelings of guilt. The accusations are so strong that they hurt. I ask You, Lord, to silence that voice and let her hear Your voice, the voice of Love, which has already forgiven her and declared her innocent.

I especially pray for our home. The pressure to create a pleasant, clean, and inviting sanctuary rests almost entirely on her. I know that when the home is untidy, society does not judge me, but her. That is why she sometimes becomes anxious when I unexpectedly invite guests, not because she is not happy to have them, but because she feels she will be judged. Lord, remind us both of Your truth.

“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

Help me to be her partner and not someone who thoughtlessly adds to her work. Open my eyes to see how I can lighten her burden, and give me words of gratitude for all that she does. I want to see her as You see her.

“A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10)

Father, I see how she gives of herself for all of us, and in this constant care for others, she forgets herself. She continually puts others first until she is exhausted, until she has nothing left to give. Please, remind her that she needs time for herself, to be replenished by You, not so she becomes selfish, but so she remains centered on You.

“But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”” (Luke 10:41-42)

Please, help her to take time for herself and for You, so that she may move from ideals to true love for herself and for You. Let her realize that caring for herself is essential so she can continue to care for us. May Your peace help to calm her sometimes impatient heart.

Lord, today I retract all my judgments. I renounce the role of judge and prosecutor in her life. I want to be the one who lifts her up and encourages her.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (Proverbs 31:28)

I desire for our home to become a place where You reign. Together with my wife, I make this covenant before You.

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

Show her what her true priorities are. Give her the wisdom to balance all the demands and roles she has. May Your law guide her heart, so that her steps may be firm and full of trust.