By Marian Wright Edelman
Mothers. Grandmothers. Women.
We have so much work to do.
So many mothers and infant lives to save.
So many child dreams to realize and hopes to nourish and protect.
Our countries and a common world to change and such long distances to travel—from waging war to waging peace; from sickness and death to health; from doubt to faith in Creator’s feminine spirit within
Let some of us—you and I—begin this minute on that journey
To speak for those unable to speak for themselves
To stand with those who cannot stand alone
To gather family and friends to stand with us.
Let us begin this day singing a new song for all our mothers and sisters and brothers and fathers and children around our world who are our own.
For mothers and for all those with a mothering spirit, there is so much work to do. Mother’s Day is often a time when families show appreciation by encouraging mothers to “rest,” maybe beginning with that lovingly homemade card and breakfast in bed. But many mothers know well that even at those rare times when our hands are still, our creative minds and hearts are never fully at rest, whether filled at any moment with worries, dreams, plans, or prayers.
On this Mother’s Day weekend I share again special prayers for all mothers and all those who are tirelessly sowing seeds of life and hope for the future.
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A new baby is born
A new gift of life
A new gift of love
A new gift of joy
A new gift of hope
Make us good stewards of Your faith in the future.
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Dear God, I thank You for the gift of this child to raise, this life to share, this mind to help mold, this body to nurture, and this spirit to enrich.
Let me never betray this child’s trust, dampen this child’s hope, or discourage this child’s dreams.
Help me dear God to help this precious child become all You mean him to be.
Let Your grace and love fall on him like gentle breezes and give him inner strength and peace and patience for the journey ahead.
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God, help me to weave a tapestry of love and not hate in my children, a spirit of tolerance and caring, and a dedication to freedom for all and not just some. God, help me to sow seeds of peace and justice in my children’s hearts today.
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Thank you, God, for Your never-ceasing love and inexhaustible well of hope through the gift of children.
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Oh God, help us to be worthy of the children You have entrusted to our care.