A Liturgy for the Working Mother

Oh God,
I cry out for the mother
who’s mind hears the cries of all –
those within the walls of her home,
and those she serves
on the other side of a screen.

I ask your grace
for her divided mind –
that most often feels overwhelmed,
behind on tasks, guilty, and never enough
for the vast amount of need
that calls out to her.

Lord, you see the weariness
that has built up over time
from having to change minds
between the softness, openness, and slowness
required of mothering;
the demanding, racing, hard-hitting
work of the world;
and the never-ending in-between of laundry,
dishes, bills and doctor visits.

Father you see her
early mornings and late nights;
you hear her “just a minute,”
accompanied by a mix
of frustration and guilt
as her children watch her
finish another email;
You know it’s likely another
apology for a missed deadline
or dropped ball.

I pray, when she looks for comfort
and receives new advice on how to
have more balance
keep better boundaries
take care of herself more;
that she will breathe in your divine rest
as you hide her presently
beneath the shadow of your wing.

Let her remember
your offer of living water for the thirsty;
your promise to renew the strength of
those who hope in you;
to lift them above their troubles
on eagles’ wings.

I pray for a protected heart and mind
in the midst of the chaos of
far too much to do;
For deep remembrance of your new mercies
that come with each sun’s rising.

And when the loud hum of all undone
reaches it’s terrible crescendo,
threatening this mother drowned –
may the hand of Christ
grasp hold of her weary hand,
providing the faith needed
to ride out the storm.

Amen.
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© Savannah Smiley Sterrett 2023