Day Twenty Four - Mothering Sunday Prayers

This Sunday is Mothering Sunday, a day set aside in our modern world, to honour Mothers.

This day can also be a day of mixed emotions, women who would love to be mothers, stepmothers trying to take on the mother’s role, those who have lost their mothers and are grieving. There are mothers hurting, whose children have turned away from them, those suffering the loss of a child and those who have never had a good mother as a role model.

This year there will be many families that cannot be together and many families who have lost their mother to COVID-19.

This year will be difficult for our family as it is the first Mothering Sunday since our Mum/Grandma/Great Grandma passed away. My brother and I, and then my children and his children, were blessed to have had a wonderful Christian mum/Grandma guiding and shaping our lives. Someone who was always there for any of us and who loved us whatever situation we found ourselves in. I thank God for her wonderful example to us all. I am sure this Sunday there will be tears, but it will also be a time to remember all that she did for us.

A good mother is a link between us and God. Through a mother’s love we can see how God loves and cares for us, His children.

The bible is full of examples of good mothers and show just some of a mother’s qualities.

Eve, for stepping out and being the first to understand the complexities of life, showing us we do not always get it right.

Sarah, Hannah and Elizabeth, for their patience and courage in waiting for a miracle, giving women today strength when longing for a child.

Jochebed, for her wisdom and insight in protecting her children, may this be a help to all mothers bringing up children.

Ruth and Naomi who showed that love can conquer all trials, let this help mothers to love constantly when life seems impossible and despair weighs heavy on their souls.

Mary, whose “yes” changed our world forever and of her faithful love and tender care of God’s most precious Son.

We can all take inspiration from God and the examples in the Bible. We can all love and care for others whether we are mums, grandmas, dads, grandads, or people who have caring responsibilities.

So, no matter what your situation this Sunday, you can turn to God and experience peace and healing through prayer.

A Prayer for Mothering Sunday

Loving God,

Thank you for mums and children and for the joy of family life.

Be with those who are grieving because they have no mother,

Be close to those who are struggling because they have no children.

Be near to those who are sad because they are far apart from those they love.

Let your love be present in every home.

Help us to remember all that our mothers have done for us, for their never-ending love and sacrifice.

Help us to care for each other like you care for us.

We ask these things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Julie Burnett