This week my heart ached as the lass sitting in front of me stayed seated when mothers were asked to stand on Mothers’ Day in our church. My heart broke for her as her husband looked at her anxiously and put a hand on her knee. And I was reduced to tears as she wiped her own tears from her cheeks during the prayers that followed.

Yes, for me, it was lovely to be acknowledged as a mother. But there are many for whom this is their heart’s desire and their heart’s pain and so I pray for them today. Will you join me?

Father, forgive us for we know not what we do. When we single out some people in our church services but ignore others, we do not understand the pain it can cause. Sometimes we don’t even think about it.

I pray for all those, men and women, whose heart’s desire is for a child, or whose heart breaks for the child whom they have lost. Comfort them in their sadness, Lord, in their longing. Soothe their aching hearts. Hear their prayers.

Lord, You know what is best for them. Your way and your timing are perfect. May your will be done for them – and may they feel your love for them and know your peace.

And for those of us who surround them, give us a sensitivity to their longing. Often such longing is not verbalised for the sadness it brings, and there are times when we march in, unaware of the pain we cause. Help us to stop and think. To love and encourage. To embrace and listen. To speak and to be silent.

Lord, today, we pray for them. Hear our prayer and let our cry come to you.