Pray for Widows With Babies

This is the first in a 12-part series of prayers for widows. I intend to post these on the last Saturday of each month. I hope individuals, groups, and even churches, will not only look at them, but read them out loud as prayers which are pleasing to God. Truly, God commands us to minister to the widow and orphan in their distress, and this is one way everyone can pitch in and help.

Lord God,
I pray for widows with babies and young children today. I never knew of such a tragedy before--even pregnant women can become widows--yet now I now of several, and how my heart goes out to them.
First, I pray for these young mothers. Please strengthen them through your servants in their church, through their family and through their friends.
Make these people sensitive to their needs. Give them eyes to see, ears to hear, and a sensitive spirit that can tune in to the needs of a widow and her children.
Burden them to pick up an extra gallon of milk and package of diapers when they're in the grocery store. Burden them to pray for her as they shovel the snow from their driveway, replace the brakes of their car, fill their gas tank or grocery cart---may they go do the same for the widow in her time of need.
And, Lord, your Word says that you gently lead those who have young. This is for all moms, but I pray you'd especially fulfill this promise for the widowed mom with little ones. Guide her to green pastures where she will find peace. Give her income, and the wisdom to manage it well. Give her kindness from her employer, kindness from strangers and rest from her worries.
I also want to pray for her children. May you be a father to the fatherless. Rest your Spirit upon her children, that they may grow strong in their convictions and leadership. May they know your holy power and love with great certainty and honor. Give them a love for their mother; protect them from bitterness and selfishnes; grant them a heart of gratitude and the ability to see your generosity and goodness to them.
Now, Lord, encourage these widows with babies and little ones. Encourage them with your presence. May they each see your fingerprints over all the circumstances of life--not only the miraculous, but also the mundane. May they sense your love and watchcare over them and their babies this very day and everyday.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)