30+ Prayers for Mother in Law (Updated 2026)

If you are looking for a prayer for your mother in law, you are in the right place. This collection includes 30+ short and scripture-based prayers you can use for her health, peace, protection, gratitude, and the bond you share. Each prayer is written to be read aloud, copied into a card, or adapted into your own words.

Updated 2026

Why pray for your mother in law?

Prayer for a mother in law is one of the most practical ways to honor her and strengthen your extended family. When you pray for her, you choose to see her as a gift rather than a challenge, and you invite God into the relationship. The biblical story of Ruth and Naomi shows how deep and loving a mother in law connection can become, as Naomi encouraged and blessed her daughters in law with kind words, affection, and unselfish love. You can read more about that example in a reflection from the Church of God, a Worldwide Association.

Abigail Van Buren, known to readers as Dear Abby, once wrote in her column: 'A mother in law who is perceived as overbearing may be one who was a conscientious mother, but now that her child is grown, she finds it difficult to relinquish her role as teacher and protector and quit hovering.' This is a helpful reminder because prayer softens that tendency and replaces hovering with trust. You can read the full column in the Times Herald-Record archive.

Short prayers for your mother in law

Short prayers for your mother in law are easy to say in the car, before dinner, or first thing in the morning. Here are seven simple prayers you can use today.

• Lord, bless my mother in law today. Keep her safe, healthy, and full of joy.
• Father, give my mother in law wisdom in everything she does, and let her feel loved by our family.
• God, thank you for my mother in law. Help me to see her the way you see her.
• Lord, guide my mother in law and give her peace in her heart.
• Heavenly Father, protect my mother in law and surround her with good people today.
• Lord, show my mother in law that she is prayed for and loved, even from a distance.
• Lord, help me to be patient and kind toward my mother in law, and soften our relationship.

Scripture-based prayers for mother in law

Scripture-based prayers for mother in law take a verse and turn it into a conversation with God. Choose one that fits her need at the moment.

• Based on Numbers 6:24, 'Lord, bless my mother in law and keep her. Make your face shine upon her and give her peace.'
• Based on Psalm 91, 'I pray that my mother in law dwells in the shelter of the Most High and finds rest under your wings.'
• Based on Philippians 4:6, 'Lord, let my mother in law bring every worry to you in prayer, and let your peace guard her heart and mind.'
• Based on Proverbs 31, 'Father, strengthen my mother in law, let her smile at the future, and let her household be blessed.'
• Based on James 1:5, 'Lord, give my mother in law wisdom when she faces decisions, and guide her steps.'

Prayers for healing when your mother in law is sick

Prayers for healing when your mother in law is sick can be used during her illness or recovery. Say them beside her bed or send them in a message.

• Father, we ask for your healing hand on my mother in law. Restore her body and renew her strength.
• Lord, be with my mother in law in her illness. Give doctors clarity and give her comfort.
• God, wrap my mother in law in your presence. Take away her pain and fill her with hope.
• Jesus, you healed many in the Gospels. Touch my mother in law and bring wholeness to her body.
• Heavenly Father, give my mother in law patience during recovery, and give our family strength to care for her.

Prayers for peace and anxiety

Prayers for peace and anxiety are for the nights when your mother in law cannot sleep or the days when worry takes over.

• Lord, calm the anxious thoughts of my mother in law. Let her rest in your love.
• Father, remind my mother in law that she does not face her worries alone. You carry her.
• God, let your peace that surpasses understanding guard my mother in law's heart and mind.
• Jesus, give my mother in law a quiet confidence in your plan for her life.
• Holy Spirit, comfort my mother in law when she feels overwhelmed, and speak truth to her heart.

Prayers for protection and safety

Prayers for protection and safety cover her travel, her health, her home, and the people closest to her.

• Lord, protect my mother in law when she travels, works, or is at home.
• Father, send your angels to guard my mother in law from harm and danger.
• God, protect her health, her home, and her relationships from any threat.
• Lord, guide my mother in law through unsafe times and keep her steps steady.
• Heavenly Father, shield my mother in law with your strong right hand.

Prayers of gratitude and blessing

Prayers of gratitude and blessing are a lovely way to celebrate your mother in law on her birthday, Mother's Day, or any ordinary day.

• Lord, thank you for giving me a mother in law who loves her family.
• Father, bless my mother in law for all the ways she has given to us.
• God, I am grateful for the life of my mother in law. Let her know how much she matters.
• Lord, reward my mother in law with joy, good health, and the love of her children and grandchildren.
• Heavenly Father, may my mother in law feel appreciated and seen every day.

If you want to see how a daughter in law remembers her mother in law with affection, read this personal story from Aileen Mitchell Lawrimore, or this devotional on mother in law from Resource Ministries.

How to pray for your mother in law daily

You can build a simple daily habit of praying for your mother in law. Try one of these methods.

1. Set a specific time each day, such as morning coffee or before bed.
2. Keep a journal of prayer requests and answers for your mother in law.
3. Use a short breath prayer, like 'Lord, bless my mother in law.'
4. Pray a scripture verse over her, changing the words to a personal prayer.
5. Invite your spouse to pray together for your mother in law.
6. Send her a note that says you prayed for her today.

Comparison of prayer types for a mother in law

Frequently asked questions

What is a good prayer for mother in law?

A good prayer for mother in law is short, specific, and honest. You can say, 'Lord, bless my mother in law today and keep her close to your heart.' It works as a table blessing, a morning prayer, or a message in a card.

How do I pray for my mother in law who is difficult?

Pray for your own heart first. Ask God to help you see her as a person, and then pray a simple prayer such as, 'Lord, soften our relationship and teach me to love my mother in law as you love her.'

What is the best Bible verse for a mother in law?

Numbers 6:24 is a common choice: 'The Lord bless you and keep you.' Another favorite is Philippians 4:7, which talks about peace that guards the heart and mind. Use these verses as the foundation for a personal prayer.

Can I write a prayer for mother in law in a card?

Yes. A handwritten prayer in a card is a meaningful gift. Keep it short and from the heart, and mention one specific thing you are praying for, such as her health, her joy, or her family.

How do I pray for healing for my mother in law?

Pray simply and with faith. Say, 'Father, we ask for your healing hand on my mother in law. Restore her body and give her strength.' You can add her name and the specific health concern.