Mother's Day is a day too fraught with joy, sadness, anger, disappointment. Clergy have to hold it in great care.
As a daughter, mother, and grandmother, I can't remember the last Mother's Day I was with those with whom I hold that familial relationship. My mother, son, daughter, and grandsons live far, far away, and I am always working.
Holding this tender day in care, at St. Mary's tomorrow all women, as mothers in Christ, will be given a flower. In the prayers of the people, we will thank God for all our mothers in Christ. And when I preach, it will be on the Gospel and the lesson from Acts. Which have nothing to say about mothers.
Still, there is a great prayer circulating, especially amongst women clergy, that touches on all of the emotions that Mother's Day brings.
And so we pray.
Loving God,
You have given women the capacity of participating with you in the creation of new life, entrusting them with a sacred and precious gift.
We pray for all of our mothers who have given us this gift of life;
for mothers who unconditionally love and nurture their children;
for expectant mothers, wondering and waiting;
for new mothers, coming to terms with new responsibilities;
for those who want to be mothers or have another child, hoping and trying;
for mothers who have watched their children grow into adulthood;
for mothers whose joy in their children is abundant;
for those who struggle to balance the tasks of work and family;
for those whose children are physically, mentally or emotionally challenged;
for those who raise children on their own;
for those who have lost children;
for those who care for the children of others;
Grant your blessing on these our mothers.
May their love be deep and tender; their care compassionate and unfailing.
May your Holy Spirit constantly inspire, guide and strengthen them, so that they may lead their children to know what is good, living not for themselves alone, but for God and for others.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
