10th March 2024 10.30am – Mothering Sunday – Eucharist

The Readings

Colossians 3.12-17

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Luke 2.33-35

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

Scripture Quotations are from: New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. http://nrsvbibles.org

The Prayers
Prepared by Veronica.

In the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, let us pray to the Father.

Oh God, as we remember Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, we ask that all of us, called to
be mothers, may follow her example of devotion to Him throughout his life on earth. She accepted
the great task to which she had been called, she cared for him throughout his childhood, and
remained with Him to the hour of his death, for her, no doubt a very distressing time. Help us to
remember the model of motherhood she set before us.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for the world, and for all those places where there is war and conflict. We remember in
particular all the mothers who have lost their own lives in Israel, Gaza and Ukraine, or have lost their
children during those wars. We pray that all those conflicts will be resolved with the help of the
United Nations and other international bodies, so that all families may again live in peace and
harmony.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all families known to us where they are embarking on the gift of parenthood. Give all
mothers and fathers the patience and tolerance they are going to need, and the wisdom to bring up
their children in the way of love and caring for others.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for our own mothers, whether still with us, or have passed on to your nearer presence. We
thank you for all they have meant to us, and pray that we may also pass on to our own children the
values they will need in their lives.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We remember all who are ill or unwell at this time. We ask you to be with them and help them to
cope with pain and illness, as they undergo medical treatment. We pray for their families and
medical staff that they are able to deal with the stress at this time. We keep a moment of silence to
think of them………..
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We pray for all who have died, recently or many years ago, particularly our mothers and fathers who
are no longer with us. May they continue to live in our hearts and minds. Be with those who mourn
the loss of a loved one at this time as we think of those no longer with us…………
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Rejoicing in the fellowship of Mary, Mark, John and all your saints, we commend ourselves and all
creation to your unfailing love.

Merciful Father,
Accept these prayers
for the sake of your only Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.

St Marys Walkley

The Church on the Road: inclusive, eucharistic, a safe place to be with God

10th March 2024 10.30am – Mothering Sunday – Eucharist