Submitted by Dean

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts”.

--Washington Irving

 

God our Creator, we pray:
for new mothers, coming to terms with new responsibility;
for expectant mothers, wondering and waiting;
for those who are tired, stressed or depressed;
for those who struggle to balance the tasks of work and family;
for those who are unable to feed their children due to poverty;
for those whose children have physical, mental or emotional disabilities;
for those who have children they do not want;
for those who raise children on their own;
for those who have lost a child;
for those who care for the children of others;
for those whose children have left home; 
for those who are grieving the loss of their mother;

for those who never knew their biological mother, and now yearn for her;

for those who have experienced the wonder of an adopted mother's love;

for those whose desire to be a mother has not been fulfilled;

for those who have children and loved ones separated by war and conflict;
Bless all mothers, that their love may be deep and tender,
and that they may lead their children to know and do what is good,
living not for themselves alone, but for God and for others.

 

We ask your blessing on all those to whom You have entrusted motherhood.

May Your Holy Spirit constantly inspire and strengthen them.

May they ever follow the example of Mary, mother of Our Lord, and imitate her fidelity, her humility, and her self-giving love.

May all mothers receive Your Grace abundantly in this earthly life, and may they look forward to eternal joy in Your presence in the life to come.

We ask this through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.  AMEN