for Sunday, May 12, 2013
7th Sunday of Easter
Mother’s Day
Year C
lectionary focus: John 17:20-26
(note: If you used my Lenten Series on Prayer, this would be a good time to remind the children that prayer is something we always do, it is a continuous part of how we connect with God and with each other.)
Good Morning!
Today is Mother’s Day. Today we celebrate our moms and thank them for all they do for us. I was talking to your moms and I asked them to share with me what they do for all of you. Your moms do a lot! Your moms go to work; they do chores; they go to the grocery store; they keep track of what is going on and where things are; they plan things; they clean up things; they study; they learn; they teach. Moms do a lot of different things. But one thing that all the moms told me, one thing that each one does every day…every single day, your mom prays for you. Yes, you! Your mom prays every day that no matter what happens–good, sad, or scary–that God will be with you and keep you strong and feeling loved. Your moms do lots of things, but each one of them said she lifts up her children in prayer each day.
In our Bible story today, Jesus prays for his friends. When we listen to His words we hear that He is praying not just for those around Him then, but for everyone–all the people then, since then, now, and in the future. Jesus prays that God’s children will be united as one family and that God’s children will know that they are loved by God. Jesus knows that being family with those around us…at home and church and school…will help us feel God’s love during the good, the sad, and the scary.
Moms are following Jesus’ example when they pray for their children. And we can complete the circle and pray for our moms, too. We can lift up our moms in prayer asking God to be with them, keeping them strong and feeling loved. Today we celebrate Mom and let her know she is special to us. But just as every day she prays for you, you can pray for her every day.
Will you pray with me? (This is an echo prayer: the leader says a line and the children repeat it.)
Dear Lord,
Thank You
for my mom.
Be with her
and keep her strong.
Let her know
that You love her
and that I do, too.
Amen
We are not Christians alone.
My mission is to share, inspire, and encourage.
Happy Mother’s Day!
on the chancel steps 