Mother’s Day or other traditional times to honor a mother can be difficult if one’s mother is absent by death or another reason. The following prayers — prayer for an absent mother, prayer for a deceased mother, and blessing for the grief of missing a mother — invite the Christian to offer his/her lost mother to God.
Healing Prayer for an Absent Mother
For those adults and children whose mothers left them, via divorce, neglect, family conflict, or death, thinking of Mom can be painful. The following prayer invites God to heal the child of any age missing his/her mother:
“God of mysteries, I don’t know why Mom [insert reason mother left]. Despite all the changes in my life, I miss her. Remind me that I am Your beloved child, with whom You are well pleased. You, O God, will never abandon me. Heal me in body, mind, and spirit when I feel that my mother abandoned me. Lead me to others will nurture and guide me as a mother should and let me, also, share the love of a mother with others, in the light of Your love. Amen.”
Prayer for a Deceased Mother
Visiting Mom’s grave on Mother’s Day or on her birthday can bring up a whirlwind of emotions and memories. The following prayer for missing a deceased mother is appropriate at the grave site or at any time an intense longing for Mom resurfaces:
“God of life and death, care for Mom now as she cared for me and others here on earth. Let her memory continue to bless me and form me into the fullness of your love. [Share specific memories of Mom with God, if desired]. Thank you for the gift of life and love that is and was Mom. Amen.”
An individual might offer this prayer aloud at the grave site of a mother. Some may opt to share specific memories of the deceased, so that children and other family members present may honor her presence, too.
Other family members might be invited to share their memories, too, before concluding the prayer. Sharing the Lord’ Prayer of another familiar prayer together as a family can create a simple service in honor of Mom at the grave site.
Blessing for Grief over Missing Mom
The grieving process over any loss is a lifetime journey. Missing a mother is a special loss, because there is a special bond. The following prayer offers the tears over missing Mom to God:
"God of love, keep each tear I shed for Mom's absence and bottle it. Let me cry and open my heart to You, that You may ever heal my wounded heart. Be with me and cleanse me to share love and kindness with others, in Your name. Amen."
Missing a mother leaves a hole that nothing can adequately fill. With prayer, a Christian can invite God into healing an absent mother on holidays, Mother’s Day, or other times when the pain of Mom’s absence surfaces.
For other prayers on healing a missing loved one. Prayers for Grief and Loss may be of interest.
Melissa Roberts - A trained hospital chaplain, Melissa is a freelance writer, teacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
