Liturgy For Mother's Day

The following liturgy may be used in small or large family celebrations or in gatherings of the larger worshiping community. Adapt to local needs and customs.

Gathering

Leader: Dear family, this day is a very special day for us all, for on this day we honor Mother. Hear the word of the Lord: "?Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you?" (Deut. 5:16).

Let us pray. Lord God of the universe, you who created and brought forth all things, you have given us mothers who like yourself bring forth life. Like you, our mother has nursed, nurtured, and tenderly cared over us. Feeding and clothing us, our mother has drawn us to her side, giving us her very life. Grant that we should honor her and love her, to her benefit and your glory, through Christ. Amen. The Scripture Readings

Reader 1: A reading from Proverbs:

(husband) "?Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life .… She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy .… Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: '?Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.?' Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates?" (Prov. 31:10–12, 20, 25–31). This is the word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God. Reader 2: A reading from Proverbs:

"?My son, hear the instruction of your father,

And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be graceful ornaments on your head, And chains about your neck .… Bind them continually upon your heart; Tie them around your neck. When you roam, they will lead you; When you sleep, they will keep you; And when you awake, they will speak with you. For the commandment is a lamp, And the law is light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life?" (1:8–9; 6:21–23). This is the word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God.

The Blessing

Leader: Each of us will now bless Mother saying:

"?What I like about you is ?" or "?I appreciate and acknowledge you for .?" Let us bless our mother in prayer. Lord God, you have given mothers to the world and blessed the fruit of their womb. You, Lord, are the mother of Elizabeth, the mother of John, and of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Hear, O Lord, our prayer and bless the mother of this home. Grant her strength to fulfill her calling. May she be filled with joy and laughter. May she experience peace of mind and heart, and may her children rise up to bless her, through Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen.