[This is a new large sign that will be placed on the wall along our education hallway in the Lower Level of the church. Thank you, Christian education team for this wonderful addition and creative way to help us remember our church’s weekly benediction that we are all a “blessed, beloved, and beautiful child of God.” For the May 3 online worship service, click here.]
Risen Christ, thank you for the good news of Easter and the empty tomb. Thank you for the many signs of your presence during this Easter season. A mother goose leading her young baby chicks gently down the Hocking River. Freshly mowed grass on a warm spring day. A young couple kissing along the bike path. A violet azalea blooming alongside our church building.
As we wait upon your Holy Spirit to fall afresh upon us, we are reminded of when the disciples were called to “stay at home” in the Upper Room. Like them, help us to continue to “stay at home” knowing that wherever we are, we are always at home with you. Thank you that in your Father’s house there are many rooms especially for those who feel left out and excluded. Remind us that we are all invited to take up residence in your mansion where there is more than enough room for all.
On this day, we make room for others by especially praying for those who are in the hospital, those who are grieving the loss of loved ones, those who are struggling financially during this pandemic, those who are searching for a vaccine, those who are treating patients, those who are making difficult decisions about reopening the economy, and those who are feeling anxious during these uncertain times.
On this Mothers’ Day, we especially lift up to you our mothers who have given us life and love.
We pray for mothers who have lost a child through death, that their faith may give them hope.
We pray for women, though without children of their own, who like mothers have nurtured and cared for us.
We pray for mothers, who have been unable to be a source of strength, who have not responded to their children and have not sustained their families.
Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over each and every one of us. We are always at home with you. And we are always invited to pray to you as our heavenly parent…
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
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