Written a few years ago, Diane Moffett’s prayer rings true today
by Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett | Special to Presbyterian News Service
The Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett is president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
LOUISVILLE — A few years ago, the Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, wrote this prayer for Mother’s Day worship:
Divine Creator, we welcome you into our sacred space.
With open hearts, we usher in your presence
And await the movement of your Holy Spirit.
God of all mothers,
Stand with us as we celebrate
Those who have mothered,
Those who are mothering
and those who will mother.
Abide with us as we honor
Those who found ways to give life
And nurture children
even in the midst of the
Middle Passage.
Slavery.
Jim Crow laws.
Racism.
And hatred that threatened
To take away life before it was given.
Stand by us as we acknowledge mothers who stand at the border
Seeking life for their children and families
Only to have those children snatched from their hands
By cruel, callous laws that are indifferent to human suffering.
Walk with us as we lift up mothers
Who are frail and in the final season of living.
Mothers who have given more than they ever received.
Mothers who have cared for, caressed and counseled us.
Who have etched their mark upon our flesh.
Mothers whom we grieve because they have died
And their memory leaves us wanting …
Comfort us as we remember mothers
Who are homeless and hopeless,
Who are locked up and locked out of their
Children’s lives because of
Incarceration.
Or mental disorders
Or self-imposed imprisonment
That inhibits one’s ability to mother.
Like our earthly mothers,
You have given us life
And brought us forth
To be a source of life and light in this world.
You have blessed us with your merciful love
Even when our behavior breaks your heart.
Forgive our rebellious, wayward ways.
Heal our lives and the planet in which we live.
As we enter the celebration of Mother’s Day
Make us grateful for your unwavering
Mercy.
Love.
Provision.
Patience and
Guidance.
And help us to share the same with others.
Amen.
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Categories: Presbyterian Mission Agency
Tags: mother's day, prayer, presbyterian mission agency, rev. dr. diane moffett
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