For most of us, mother’s day is a time of thanksgiving and joy for the one who gave us birth and raised us and loved us unconditionally. Yet, for many of us, it is a public reminder of our sorrow and pain that seems out of sync with images of flowers, brunches, jewelry, and candy boxes. We remember moms who have died. We remember moms with memory loss who don’t recognize us anymore. We remember moms who let us down or hurt us terribly. We remember how we longed to have our own child, but could not because of infertility, miscarriages, or even, lack of a partner.
So today, I offer you a variety of prayers for Mother’s Day.
The Lord says: “Can a woman forget her nursing child,
or show no compassion for the child of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands…” (Isaiah 49:15-16a)
Life-giving God, we give you thanks for our home in your eternal love through Jesus Christ. We give thanks for mothers who reflect the image your love through their tender care and guidance. We pray for forgiveness, healing, and peace for those whose mother-child relationship is strained, hurt, or broken. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Life-giving God, We pray for mothers who struggle to provide for their children amid famine, war, and national discord. We pray especially for mothers and children in Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia, and northeast Nigeria. We pray for freedom, healing, and justice for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Grant peace in our world, peace in our nation, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts. Hear us O God, Your mercy is great.
Life-giving God, We pray for those who desire to be mothers, but struggle with miscarriages, infertility, or disappointment in relationships. Comfort them, walk with them, and through it all, give them the assurance of your never-failing love. Hear us O God, Your mercy is great.
Life-giving God, We give thanks for mothers who place their children for adoption and for those families who adopt them. We give thanks for foster parents. Bless them and help them to care for the precious gifts you have given them. Hear us O God, Your mercy is great.
Life-giving God, we pray for single mothers who raise their children alone. Surround them with a community of support and help. Grant them good jobs and fair wages so that they may care for their children. Hear us O God, Your mercy is great.
Life-giving God, We remember mothers who have had the great sorrow of burying their own children. We remember mothers who have died, especially those whom we name before you now aloud or silently……. Comfort all who mourn, and give us, with them, hope in the promise of your eternal home. Hear us O God, Your mercy is great.
Into your hands O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN