Gracious God, our companion on the way, you walk behind, beside, beyond; you catch us unawares. Break through the disillusionment and despair clouding our vision, that, with wide-eyed wonder, we may find our way and journey on as messengers of your good news.
Mothering God, our Holy creator who gave life to the world and who raised Christ from the dead to redeem the world, fill us with new life this day. We pray for all of our mothers and those who have been like a mother to us. As we honor the care they have provided, help us to care for others. As we honor their guidance, helps us to hold each other in loving accountability. As we honor the confidence they bestowed upon us, help us to confirm the gifts in others. As we remember the hardships they have faced, help us to carry each other’s burdens.
On this Mother’s Day let us remember the mothers of faith who have shown us your way. 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.
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 continue to pray saying:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name
Thy kindom 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 have trespassed 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.