Mothering Sunday

Opening Prayer Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Readings: Exodus 2v1-10; Psalm 34v11-20 or 127v1-4; 2 Corinthians 1v3-7; Luke 2v33-35.

A Word: Mothering Sunday has always been both a day of celebration for many and a sensitive and emotional day for some. By tradition its a day when we call to mind our Mother Church as well as give thanks for all those who "mother and nurture us". Take time to think about all those who have mothered and nurtured you. Then give thanks to God for them.

Let us pray: Wherever you are this Sunday please call to mind those who are sick or anxious. Give thanks for everyone involved in delivering Health, Social Care and Education Services. Pray for adults and children caring for and nurturing children.

The Lord's Prayer Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be they 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 them that trespass against us. Deliver us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen

Mothering Sunday Prayer: God of compassion, whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, shared the life of a home in Nazareth, and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself: strengthen us in our daily living that in joy and in sorrow we may know the power of your presence to bind together and to heal; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Prayer of blessing: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.

Closing Note This message is sent to you with love and prayers as: a word of encouragement and a sign of hope.