For most people, over the journey of a lifetime, being in family relationships brings experiences of great love and great pain. And in this love and pain, God is present.

Joy and pain often go together in human relationships. When a weary mother or father gets out of bed in the middle of the night to soothe a crying baby, there is tenderness amidst the tiredness. 
When a teenager comes home four hours later than expected, she or he experiences a mixture of relief about having a warm bed to fall into, and a struggle against the anger that awaits them. When a husband or wife lashes out at their partner because they have not received the emotional support they felt entitled to, the bitter disappointment is mixed with the longing for what the relationship could be like.

Nowhere is our spiritual life more powerfully formed than in the crucible of human relationships. Nowhere else may we learn so powerfully about the faithful love of God, or the pain of the cross. But we often separate our lives into compartments labeled “life” and “prayer” and do not see that life’s experiences are grist for the mill of our spiritual formation.

The Gospels are full of stories of family life: a rebellious son leaves home but then returns; a widow brings a small offering; parents bring children to be blessed; two sisters weep over the death of their brother; a synagogue official seeks healing for his daughter; a mother stands helpless before her son’s pain, and so on.

Living deeply through all the experiences of our family relationships touches on the deepest issues of life, faith and God. When we process these experiences in our prayers, thread our stories through with the threads of the Gospel stories, discover God with us in the midst of them, and talk them through in small groups, we grow into maturity and beauty of spirit.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Dear God, 

Thank you for the gift of life you gave me through my mother. I also thank you for the time and love she has given me during my life. Bless mothers everywhere with love, patience, understanding, and strength to carry out their special work. Lead children everywhere to be thankful for their mothers. Keep families everywhere faithful to your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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A Prayer for Fathers.

Loving God,

Today we give thanks for our fathers, and all that they mean to us.

We pray that you will be with them in all they do,
to strengthen, guard and guide them.

We pray for those whose experience of fatherhood has been difficult, and those who may be separated from their children.

Today, we ask you Lord, to reach out with your love to all fathers everywhere.                                                                            Amen.