Prayers for the Mother to Be - Hardcover

Guffey, Angela Thomas; Thomas, Angela

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0785263861 ISBN 13: 9780785263869

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Inc, 2003

Synopsis

Expectant moms are looking for reassurance and guidance in their new roles; these tender prayers deliver it. This elegant gift book offers heartwarming, Scripture-based prayers-penned by a mother of four-that address the practical, everyday issues expectant mothers face. Simple, reassuring words encourage readers to have faith in God and bring all their awakened emotions and experiences to Him. The beautiful interior is inviting and uplifting. This is a gift that any expectant mother will cherish.

About this title

About the Author:

Angela Thomas is an ordinary woman and mom, with an extraordinary passion for God. She's been honored to walk alongside women of all ages and walks of life through her books and speaking engagements. Angela received her Master's degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. For more information on Angela, visit: www.angelathomas.com.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

Introduction

I have come to believe that "the glow" of a pregnant woman comes entirely from the presence of God. God does not begin the work of creating and then leave. I believe that he remains and dwells in the heart, soul, and body of a woman with an extra measure of His presence. Every woman is visited by the Creator God as He quietly performs the miracle of life. And like the city on a hill, the light of the Father cannot be hidden.

People see it in our eyes. They want to touch where God is working. They want to know about the new life that He has begun. Strangers see the light and are drawn to us. The world continues to marvel at the wonder of conception, reproduction, and birth-the wonder of God.

I offer to you my prayers, in hopes that as you pray throughout your pregnancy, our awesome God will come alongside you and minister to your soul. May you rejoice in His goodness and rest in His tender mercies. May you know Him intimately as friend and come to worship Him as Almighty. Press on, my sister. This season will pass quickly, and the blessing that awaits you is breathtaking.

Drink deeply from these days...pray without ceasing...and marvel.

Waiting to Know (p. 2)

MY CREATOR GOD,

Has my body become a vessel for new creation? Have You already begun to work in secret? Have You already breathed life into a tiny new being? Someone You have known forever? Someone whose days are just beginning?

I am so ready to know. Time drags by. Patience eludes me. I don't feel any different. No heavy place in my tummy. No twinges or tingles. No sure sign that I'm pregnant, but my heart is eager with anticipation. My mind races. My spirit yearns. Soon...soon I will know if You have been working where I can't see, knitting together the frame of a child who resembles us and bears Your image.

The thought is almost too great to stay in my head: a really big God with a really big plan for a world full of children. Each one designed uniquely and purposefully. Each one loved immeasurably. Each one known before time. And one-one precious, thought-about, already-loved, planned-by-God, living person, beginning within me. What a gracious privilege. Oh, I hope so...I want so...please, let it be so.

I wonder...if You work on Your plans in secret, then what else are You doing in places I can't see, for Your glory and my pleasure? Oh God, sustain my faith on these weak days. Affirm Your love for me. Give me patience beyond what I can muster. I know that where I can see, no faith is required. God, You know I can't see beyond this moment. So much faith is needed. I ask You to lavish Your faith on this Your daughter. I love You.

Amen

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

--Psalm 139:13-16

Thank You (p.4)

DEAR GOD OF MY PRAISE,

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You for this test that says I'm pregnant. I am immediately overwhelmed. My mind is racing, trying to comprehend I'm pregnant, but my heart is beating so loud I can't think. How can a million incredible things run through my mind at the same time? Our family. A nursery. Names. Maternity clothes. Morning sickness. I must be delirious with delight. I feel dazed, but I want to dance. I am smiling with you and laughing out loud.

What a privilege to rejoice with you before I share this news with anyone else. I do praise You for this extraordinary gift. All of my inmost being praises Your holy and sovereign name. May this tiny baby even praise You from my womb. You are such a gracious Father.

I can't wait to tell Dad. He has asked me every day for a week, "Do you think we're pregnant yet?" I can't wait to dance with him and cry with him and celebrate this wonderful news. We'll begin to dream together. We'll make plans and count the days, trying to figure out a due date. We'll call all our family and ask them to join in celebrating this blessing. The possibilities are endless.

Oh...here come the tears...tears of thanksgiving...sweet tears of joy. A baby is the longing of our hearts and the answer to so many of our prayers. Thank You, Father. Bigger words won't seem to come, but my heart pounds our Thank You, again and again. I bless You, God.

Amen.

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

--Psalm 103:1

A Household of Faith (p. 34)

GOD OF JOSHUA,

A new baby. A bigger family. The tribe is increasing, and we are thrilled. A new person will surely make our home seem more like a haven, a place to replenish and rest. Lord, teach us how to graciously say to the world, "As a family, we choose to serve the Lord."

Lord, I pray for a peaceful place for this sweet baby to grow up. From her tender first days, I pray that she will know that she is treasured. When she's older, help us to make her friends feel welcome and loved. Around this table, let us pray with the hurting and the doubting, and those who would come to know You as Savior. Bless us with laughter-roof-raising laughter. Holidays full of tradition and memories. Sleepovers with lots of kids. Big suppers. A guest room that's rarely empty. A routine that brings security. Let ours be a household of faith.

I know that my temperament and heart will play a huge role in setting the tone for our family. And so I ask...please start with me. Fashion Your servant into a godly woman and mother. Give me spiritual health and a thirst for truth-a secure foundation on which to build our faithful house.

Remind us each day that our time with this baby will be precious and brief. I pray that when she grown, she will take our heritage, continue the legacy, and serve You with all faithfulness. Because of Your indwelling, may our family be known as a household of faith.

Amen.

Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshipped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

--Joshua 24:14-15

About this edition

• Publisher: Thomas Nelson Inc
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0785263861
• ISBN 13: 9780785263869
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208