Mothering God,
thank you for giving us life and breath on this most beautiful of days!
The sun beams out praise!
The leaves unfurl their green hallelujahs!
The nesting birds join the spring song of praise!
Buried in the soil, seeds leap upward at your command!
The glory of your goodness bursts out all around us,
our hearts overflow with your presence!
Today we say thank you for all who are nurturing life.
For those who give birth or adopt,
for those who cook and clean,
for those who change diapers and do laundry,
for those who listen and encourage,
for those who give undivided attention,
for those who provide the necessities of life
willingly, lovingly, consistently.
Be with those who face challenges,
give patience where there is frustration,
stamina where there is weariness,
and wisdom where there are dilemmas.
You walk beside us on long caregiving journeys,
and you won’t leave us.
We think especially today of those in our own community living in poverty
who have trouble putting food on the table and paying the rent;
guide our politicians as they make decisions that affect children.
We pray for places where life is threatened ______________:
we long for your intervention in these aching places of the world.
In the news this week, we heard of the thousands
of species that face extinction because of the human footprint.
All of life on earth is your creation;
we repent that we have disregarded and ignored the treasure of diversity.
Help us find the will to change our ways and truly value all you made.
You hovered over the face of the deep in the dark with only your imagination;
you dreamed a world of life and beauty.
We want to dream together with you!
Send your Spirit on this community so that we can be your people of peace
living life to the fullest on earth as it is in heaven.
In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.