Pastoral Prayer, Mother’s Day Easter 6 B

Mothering God, who gave birth to all that is seen and unseen, create in us a new and right heart this day.  Today we give thanks for our mothers and those who have served as a mother in our life.  Like a hen who protects her chicks, O God, surround those for whom today is a difficult day with your presence of peace and comfort.

Let us walk with Deborah, who judged the Israelites with authority and strength.  Let us walk with Ester, who used her position as queen to ensure the welfare of her people.  Let us walk with Mary, the mother of our Lord who heard his first cry in the manger and wept at his last at the foot of the cross.  Let us walk with Mary Magdalene, who wept at the tomb until the risen Christ appeared.  Let us walk with Pheobe, who led an early church in the empire of Rome.  Let us walk in the company of those whose names have been lost or silenced.

Faithful God, make our hearts bold with love for one another.  Pour out your Spirit upon all people, that we may live your justice and sing in praise the new song of your marvelous victory over death.

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things which surpasses our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may inherit your promises, which exceed all that we can desire.  We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever as we pray with the confidence of children of God saying:

Our Father, who art in heaven

Hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done

On earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive those who trespass against us

Lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.