Prayers for Mothers' Day

Mothering Sunday is a day when traditionally all went back to their mother church, to the place where they were nurtured, loved and formed into the ways of God. Today, we often also celebrate Mothers’ Day, a day to thank those who have mothered us and cared for us. For many, it is a day of celebration, when we come together with family and loved ones to express our gratitude. It can also be a day for reflection, sadness and a sense of loss for those who have mothered us and are no longer with us.

For some of us, Mothers' Day will bring up painful memories and feelings of grief. Our Chaplain, David, is running a bereavement drop-in throughout March (every Tuesday 12-1). All are welcome and there is no need to book. Click here to learn more about bereavement support and chaplaincy at St Katharine Cree. David offers the following prayers to mark this special day.

A prayer by St Anselm (1109)

Thank you God for the love of our mothers:

thank you God for their care and concern;

thank you God for the joys they have shared with us;

thank you God for the pains they have borne for us;

thank you God for all that they have given us;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jesus, like a mother you gather your people to you;

you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.

Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness;

through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.

Your warmth gives life to the dead,

your touch makes sinners righteous.

Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us;

in your love and tenderness remake us.

In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness,

for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us.

Candle prayers

We pray and place before God the life of our world and we light a candle to remind us that the love of God is like a light in our darkness. Blessed be God for ever.

When many are far from family, friends or loved ones, we light a candle for all those we cannot be physically present with. Blessed be God for ever.

We light a candle for all who are sick, all who are in hospital, all who struggle with pain, fear and sadness, and all who are grieving this day. Blessed be God for ever.

We light a candle for all who are isolated, lonely and worried at this time. Blessed be God for ever.

We light a candle for all those who care for others, whether as family or friends, or as doctors, nurses, carers and all the health professionals we are so deeply thankful for. Blessed be God for ever.

We light a candle for all mothers who have loved and laughed and laboured as they cared for their children. Blessed be God for ever.

We light a candle for all mothers who have wept in sorrow and joy for their children. Blessed be God for ever.

We light this candle for Jesus, born of a woman and nurtured in her love, and for Mary, a reminder of your patient, waiting love. Blessed be God for ever.