*A Prayer for Mother's Day*

Loving God we give thanks today for the wonder of all the relationship that sustain us; that nurtured us and that nourish us and give our lives meaning. We are grateful, our God, for those who have given themselves *to* us and *for* us. We are mindful today of those who have taught us to love the world rather than to be fearful of it; for those who helped us to see the beauty in ourselves and in others and for those who have shown us how to live full and worthwhile lives. Many have shaped our lives Loving God, many have been our teachers, our guides and in times of difficulty our comforters, however on this day we gift thanks for family life and the role mothers have played in all our lives.

We recognize, our God, that not all relationships with our mothers have been good. Sadly, some have experienced the pain of abuse and neglect. For all who carry these burdens we pray today. We ask for the gift of forgiveness so that the deep hurts of the past will be healed today in the present. May the Spirit of wholeness flow through us and strengthen the ties with our mothers whether they are present with us or not. Nurture in us a Spirit of gratitude for those who have given us life.

We pray for all mothers this morning. Sustain and support them as they raise and nurture their children. Strengthen the bonds between husbands and wives; between children and parents and help us to see the importance of ever widening family circles that include grandparents, uncles, aunties cousins and even friends.

As this earth mothers and nourishes us, may we all, male and female, share in the great task of mothering - share in the work of giving life and tending it with care and compassion. May we as your children, pay attention the relationships in our lives. May we treat each other, and particularly those in our families, with respect, with dignity but most of all with love. Heal broken relationships we prayer. Strengthen those that are fraying at the edges and make good family relationship even better.

We offer this prayer in the Spirit of Jesus. Amen

Chris Page