THE INFLUENCE OF MOTHERS WHO PRAY

 

THE INFLUENCE OF MOTHERS WHO PRAY Monica of Hippo (332–387 AD) was the mother of St. Augustine, one of the most influential Christian leaders of the early Christian church. But Augustine didn't become a Christian until 387, shortly before his mother died. Monica had made it her life's work to pray for Augustine to be saved. She was devastated by her son’s early wayward lifestyle and his adherence to the Manichaean religion. Monica wept for her son and was encouraged by a bishop who told her that "a son of so many tears could not perish." When we think of the influence that St. Augustine has had on the Christian Church ever since, it is impossible to calculate what Monica's prayers have accomplished in this world. St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) was a foundational theologian and philosopher, renowned for shaping Western Christianity through his writings on original sin, grace, and free will. As the Bishop of Hippo, he authored influential works like Confessions and The City of God.