May 7, 2026

There is a well-read book in my house entitled, Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. The line that was memorized by both of my daughters goes like this, “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.” The mother sang these words to her son throughout his life until at the end, he is the one singing it to his mother. Each page recounts the various stages and phases of life. It reminds us of difficult, messy moments and tender, tear inspiring moments. At the end of each day, the mother checks to see if the child is sleeping and sings the song. This heartwarming story captured my attention as I read the Gospel for Sunday.

Jesus continues sharing his hopes and promises for his dearest friends. It is still the night of their last dinner, his betrayal and arrest. Into the room of anticipated worry and unknown future, Jesus promises God will send another Paraklēton. To deepen our understanding of this Divine One who is being sent, it may be helpful to hear more translations for this Greek word: Paraclete, Advocate, Helper, Comforter, Counselor or Intercessor. Which word resonates with you today? Can you imagine a time in your life when another word might bring solace?

Words matter and how they land on our heart can shift our receptivity or rejection of well-meaning people. Mother’s Day can stir a myriad of emotions. How someone greets us on Mother’s Day is typically well intended, however what is stirring in our heart might block the exuberance someone else wants us to share. There is a prayer below that covers a multitude of situations surrounding Mother’s Day. I will allow this prayer to offer you comfort, solace, encouragement, gratitude and the reminder that you are not alone.

On this sixth Sunday after Easter, Jesus reminds us of his everlasting presence. We hear how he is going away and that he will send the Spirit of Truth to remain with us Forever. We are assured of the continual connection with Jesus and the One who sent him and the One who will be sent. We are witnessing a now not yet connection that provides space for us to be embodied in their intertwined relationship. The word forever reminds us how whatever is critical and urgent in our day, may fade away; however, the love and presence of Jesus will remain.


Mother’s Day Prayer

I want you to know I'm praying for you if you are like Tamar, struggling with infertility, or a miscarriage.

I want you to know that I'm praying for you if you are like Rachel, counting the women among your family and friends who year by year and month by month get pregnant, while you wait.

I want you to know I'm praying for you if you are like Naomi, and have known the bitter sting of a child's death.

I want you to know I am praying for you if you are like Joseph and Benjamin, and your Mom has died.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if your relationship with your Mom was marked by trauma, abuse, or abandonment, or she just couldn't parent you the way you needed.

I want you to know I am praying for you if you've been like Moses' mother and put a child up for adoption, trusting another family to love your child into adulthood.

I want you to know I am praying for you if you've been like Pharaoh's daughter, called to love children who are not yours by birth (and thus the mother who brought that child into your life, even if it is complicated).

I want you to know I am praying for you if you, like many, are watching (or have watched) your mother age, and disappear into the long goodbye of dementia.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if you, like Mary, are pregnant for the very first time and waiting breathlessly for the miracle of your first child.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if your children have turned away from you, painfully closing the door on relationship, leaving you holding your broken heart in your hands. And like Hagar, now you are mothering alone.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if motherhood is your greatest joy and toughest struggle all rolled into one.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if you are watching your child battle substance abuse, a public legal situation, mental illness, or another situation which you can merely watch unfold.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if you like so many women before you do not wish to be a mother, are not married, or in so many other ways do not fit into societal norms.

I want you to know that I am praying for you if you see yourself reflected in all, or none of these stories.

This Mother's Day, wherever and whoever you are, we walk with you. You are loved. You are seen. You are worthy. And may you know the deep love without end of our big, wild, beautiful God who is the very best example of a parent that we know. Amen.

- A prayer for Mother's Day adapted by Heidi Carrington Heath and originally written by Amy Young.