Praying Together 2021

165 Gather Light a candle as a sign of God’s presence and sit quietly. Ring a bell or chime to start the prayer. May the peace of Christ be with you! And with your spirit. COLLECT Yesterday we remembered Jesus’ death and resurrection to life. Today we remember Mary standing by the cross. Let us pray for sorrowful mothers. (pause) Comfort, O Lord, mothers who weep for their children. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 19:25-27 Jesus’ mother stood beside Jesus’ cross with her sister and Mary, the wife of Clopas. Mary Magdalene was standing there too. When Jesus saw his mother and his favourite disciple with her, he said to his mother, “This man is now your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “She is now your mother.” From then on, that disciple took her into his own home. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. RESPONSE Today we remember Mary the mother of Jesus. Mary looked after Jesus and cared for him just the way your mother looks after and cares for you. Mothers have a very special place in our lives. Today let’s offer some special prayers for our mothers. You could thank God for your Mum and all the wonderful things she does, or you might ask God to help and bless your Mum. You could share these prayers aloud or pray quietly in your heart. The prayer leader could conclude by saying, “God, we thank you for our mothers and for all mothers of the world. Please bless them and keep them in your care. Amen.” DISMISSAL May God’s motherly love surround us. Amen. May God bless us in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Ring the bell or chime to signal the end of the prayer. Extinguish the candle. “Then he said to the disciple, ‘She is now your mother.’” Wednesday Our Lady of Sorrows 15 September 2021