05/15/2023
A prayer for Mother’s Day, originally written by Amy Young, adapted into a prayer by Jennifer Goodwin Roberts.
"God of Tamar, surround those who struggle with infertility or have experienced miscarriage in your hope. Sit with them in their secret mourning, disappointment, and anger; send them loved ones to listen and offer their presence.
God of Rachel, surround those who watch family and friends share their pregnancy joys yet continue to wait. As they smile and support others, send them people to offer encouragement and their presence to walk this journey when it gets long.
God of Naomi, comfort those who have known the bitter sting of a child’s death. Send your Spirit to give peace that passes understanding and people to continue to hold them in love as they grieve, process, and find a different normal.
God of Joseph and Benjamin, send your Spirit to those who have lost their mother to death. Bring to mind memories of love and inspiration to carry on the legacy given to them by their mother. Send people to remind them of the sweet times and to offer their presence during the difficult times.
God of Moses’ mother, you know the sacrifice, love, and brokenness of a mother who lays her baby into the arms of another mother for adoption. Surround those mothers with peace, courage, and support as the years pass by and they trust another family to love their child and have given one of the most selfless gifts.
God of Pharaoh’s daughter, you sew families together from all different kinds of peoples. Create bonds of love, trust, and security between mothers who are raising children that have come into their care either through tragic circumstances, adoption, or by the joining of families.
God of Mary, continue to knit together your creation in the wombs of first time mothers. Grant joy, peace, and excitement in the hearts and minds of all those who anticipate welcoming this gift of new life into the world.
God of Elizabeth, impart joy into the womb of women who are expecting at an odd stage of life. Throughout the uncertainties give friends and family to walk alongside them and continue to offer support.
God of Hagar, bless those who journey motherhood alone. Grant grace and support for those who work until exhaustion and continue to do everything in their power to support their child(ren). Call people to support, love, and assist mothers who are doing their best.
God of Jesus, bless those who must commend the care of their mother into the hands of others.
God of John, grant wisdom and strength to those who care for mothers as their own.
God of Comfort, wipe away the tears of those whose relationship with their mother was marked by trauma, abuse, or abandonment. Offer the Spirit and people to walk the long road of courage, strength, and healing as your children heal from disappointment and brokenness. Make them brave and strong.
God of all the ages, give strength and rest for those who are watching (or have watched) their mother age, and disappear into the long goodbye of dementia. Grant them patience and the support of people who can offer a helping hand as they navigate the difficult journey of care.
God of Healing, give strength and courage, peace and patience for those who watch their child(ren) battle substance abuse, a public legal situation, mental illness, or other situations which you can barely stand to watch.
God of all people, we praise you for women who run the race alongside one another in a common sisterhood. Whether a woman who does not wish to be a mother, not married, or find unique ways to support the lives of others around them. Give us bold love for one another and the realization that we need one another no matter where we find ourselves in life.
Mothering God, grant joy on the days that are full of hope, sunshine, and laughter; give strength for days that are filled with struggle and sorrow. Give us love, validity, and a deep care for all those we encounter."
Amen
