Mother's Day prayer

Lord, today we thank you for mothers.

For those who carried us in the womb and for those who carried us in their arms without having given birth to us. For grandmothers who raised grandchildren, for aunts, for godmothers, for stepmothers, for the women who were mothers to those who had none.

Thank you for every sleepless night, every meal served before eating, every prayer said in silence for a child who did not know. You said you would comfort us as a mother comforts — and it is through them that we understand what that means.

Bless mothers today: give them health, rest and the certainty that they did what they could. Forgive their failures and heal what broke between them and their children.

Comfort those who spend this day missing a mother who has passed. Comfort the mother who lost a child. Comfort the one who longs to be a mother and is still waiting. This day is hard for many, and you know each one's name.

Her children rise up and call her blessed. Thank you, Lord, for mothers. Amen.