Special Prayers for Your Mother's Day Gathering

General Prayer:
We're gathered here today, Lord,at this very special time. We fold our hands and bow our heads as we give thanks for your goodness in creating Mothers. You gave them arms to encircle one child - or several at a time. You gave them hearts to treasure the sights, feelings and sounds of children from even before their birth until the end of life. The eyes and ears you made watch and hear laughter, tears, squeals of delight, dirty faces, grubby hands and smiles.

You help Mothers to love their children even during the toughest and roughest of times. You encourage them to encourage others as they travel life's winding pathways.

You walk beside Mothers and guide them as they watch over and guide their children. You, best of all, know Motherhood doesn't last a given number of years - but that it is a powerful force during her entire lifetime.

Today I thank you for my Mother. She will remain forever among my treasures and in my heart. Forgive the times I thought she was old-fashioned and didn't understand me. Forgive me also, the times I didn't take time to truly listen as she quietly spilled out her needs to me. Even though it didn't happen often, I was too busy with my own life to grasp her calling out.

I don't often realize how much of my Mother is inside me. Then, when someone tells me "that reminds me of your Mother", I understand how You make her live on through my own life. Mothers can be rigid and soft at the same time. But, by your hand they are able to bend and yet remain very, very strong. We thank you again this day for our Mothers, the sunshine of many of our lives. And for many of us, our Mother will always remain the rock of our lives.

Be with us this day and all of our days. We ask that you, God, will continue to care for all Mothers and walk beside them. Give them strength, happiness and let them be blessed with your love.

Amen.

If Your Mother Is Ill:
Dear Father,
I sit here thinking of my Mother today. You have blessed her with so many good days and so much happiness. However, today I am sad. My Mother is very ill and unable to enjoy this day of very special celebration in her honor.

I shed tears of joy thinking of the wonderful life I've had with my Mother. The good times and fun things - and some not so fun - we did together. As a child, she'd read to me and show me new things each and every day. When I became a Mom, she'd listen to my needs. Sometimes she'd give a suggestion or two, sometimes she'd just shake her head in some tone of agreement or disagreement. But she was always there for me.

I also shed tears of sadness because I suddenly realize I may have never given it a thought that I'd ever be without Mom. She was just always there when I needed her. Her words of encouragement pushed me forward. She taught me to care about nature and how things worked. She'd take time to stop and look at the sunset or watch a baby animal.

She taught me to take risks and to care and to have respect for others. She taught me how to love my God.

I humbly ask that you care for my Mother and I know that You, alone, know the plan for what lies ahead. Even today in her illness, I know my Mother is praying to You and asking for Your hand.

I remember, "This is the day that the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad." For this is my Mother's favorite verse from the Bible.

Amen.

For The Young Mom:
Dear Father,
Today we are gathered together to celebrate the joy and blessedness of having a Mom like our own. You've helped her so many times, as indeed, she's helped us.

Mom works hard and rarely complains. Our needs most often come way before hers. She gives her time to see that we have everything we need, plus, much more. She drives us to our games and helps us with our homework. She takes care of our little brother and still has time to give all of us hugs and kisses. She can pound a nail or softly rub our back.

Mom loves silly things. She loves bouquets of dandelions from my little brother and she loves helping my big sister put her make-up on for prom. She's a cool dancer and she can bake a yummy cake. God, we hope you just continue helping and coaching Mom the best you can.

But mostly we ask that you take care of her. Only once in-awhile do I hear her cry. She says she's too busy to cry, but I'm sorry that sometimes I do things to cause her concerns.

Hey God, we thank you and we ask you to be with all of us today as we give Mom her presents and eat the great meal she's fixed just for us.

Amen