Mother’s Day, started by Anne Jarvis, is a day historically set aside to honour moms everywhere for all of the things they do for families. When Anne Jarvis first began the tradition, she had her whole church congregation wear white carnations during the service in honour of her mother.
Traditionally, mothers are recognized by the church, and use symbols like the carnation to honour living and dead mothers. Services are dedicated to mothers, and prayers said on their behalf and about them. Because religion was such as central part of the original Mother’s Day, it is a natural part of today’s celebrations and honouring of mothers.
Dear Lord, today I turn to you to give you thanks for my mother. With your own gift of life, she bore me in her womb and gave me life. She tenderly, patiently cared for me and taught me to walk and talk.
She read to me and made me laugh. No one delighted in my successes more; no one could comfort me better in my failures. I am so grateful for how she mothered me and mentored me, and even disciplined me.
Please bless her, Lord, and comfort her. Help her loving heart to continue to love and give of herself to others. Strengthen her when she is down and give her hope when she is discouraged.
Most of all, Lord, on this Mother’s Day, give my mother the graces she most needs and desires today.
Amen.