A Litany in Gratitude for Biblical Mothers by Clare Amos
Eve, mother of our humanity,
Teach us true wisdom, that all life is precious in God’s sight.
Sarah, Hannah and Elizabeth, yearning for a child,
Comfort and strengthen all who know the pain of infertility.
Hagar, condemned to the harshness of exile,
Sustain those who struggle to feed their sons and daughters.
Rebecca, bride from a far-off land,
Welcome women who must bring up family among strangers.
Rachel, weeping for your children,
Weep with all mothers whose children have disappeared.
Jochebed, mother of Moses and Miriam,
Lend your ingenuity to women who seek protection for their children.
Naomi and Ruth, bound together by a love greater than blood,
Show us how bitter disappointment can become the sweetness of hope.
Mary, daughter of Israel, mother of Jesus,
Share with us God’s secrets you have pondered deep within your heart.
The following is based on ‘Children Learn What They Live’ by Dorothy Law Nolte:
May God Inspire Mothers and Fathers with Guidance and Love.
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in the world.
submitted by Heather Savini
