This piece can be read as a meditation, or used as a litany, in which the congregation responds to each line (in unison), "We ask a blessing on this day."

In one way or another, each of you was born of a mother.

Because we are human, it's likely that your relationship with that mother is, was, or will some day be challenging.

If you identify as a woman, then it's almost certain that your connection with this matter of “mothering” is or was sufficiently complex that it’s sometimes hard to explain.

From the diversity of our lives; from the similarity of our hearts...let us pray:

For all who never knew their mothers...and all who chose or were compelled to let their children drift away...We ask a blessing on this day.

For all who longed to hold their newborn in the arms of love...and all who faced a pregnancy with fear...We ask a blessing on this day.

For all who struggle with the pain of their mother’s increasing confusion...and all who feel the muddle growing in their own heads and seek to keep it from their parent...or their child...We ask a blessing on this day.

For all whose mothers never grew up...and all whose mothers never learned to play...We ask a blessing on this day.

For all who missed the chance to say I love you...and all who long to say it now, but find ourselves afraid...We ask a blessing on this day.

For all who carry ancient wounds...infertility. . . abuse...misunderstanding...anger...grief...We ask a blessing on this day.

For all who struggle with regret...We ask a blessing on this day.