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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with The Rt Revd Dr Jo Bailey Wells, Bishop of Dorking

Good morning, on this third day of Christmas.

For Mary it’s day 3 days of new parenthood.

I remember so well the blur and overwhelming. I picture Mary, holding the baby Jesus in her arms, rocking him to try and console whatever may be the cause of his crying, anything to get him to sleep. I remember how those cries pierce the heart, especially when you’re desperate for sleep yourself. Just as I also remember how tired my arms got from holding a new little bundle – that feels so heavy before the biceps have caught up with their new form of work-out.

So today we pray for all who are parents. For those who are brand new parents, gifted with wonder and adjusting to the responsibility of a new baby: for their sleep and for their strength. For those who are parents of toddlers, confined by covid constraints and unable to run off their energy: for patience and perseverance. For parents of school-aged children, stretched to manage the juggle of demands and opportunities: for their judgement and for joy. For those who are parents of teenagers, seeking to keep open the channels of communication and accountability: for courage and commitment. Finally, for those parents who can’t see their children, for any whose hearts are heavy with misgiving, or hurt, and for those who long to be parents: we pray for healing and hope.

Almighty God who is holy father and tender mother: we pray for all who are parents and especially those for whom the responsibility is new or overwhelming. Sustain their joy in the gift of childhood. May they find in you their source of love and grace. Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.