Simple prayers, for mothers

[MarieVeronica]

Dear Catholic Answers Forum… do any of you know of any simple prayers for mothers to say, for their adult children?

My dear Momma asked me for such a prayer today… but I didn’t have a clue. I’m specifically seeking simple-to-say prayers. She is 85 and has Alzheimer’s… and is still interested in praying for her children. God is so awesome. Any simple prayers, appreciated. Thank you dear ones.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Anyone?

 

[Belle10]

Hi MarieVeronica

Well, I would suggest the chaplet of Divine Mercy – it’s wonderful! You could pray the rest of the prayers, and she could pray the shorter part:
“For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

You could even do the first part and she could reply with the second part (“have mercy on us and on the whole world”) the way it’s often done when praying in a group. When I pray this, I often substitute a specific person’s name for the “on us” part. You two could put in one of her children’s/your sibling’s names there, changing it throughout the five decades.

I found this and wanted to share it (it’s not for her to pray, but for you):

For a Mother with Alzheimer’s Disease

“Take Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding,
my entire will… Give me only your love and your grace and that is enough for me.” Ignatius of Loyola

Loving God,

Please bless every mother who has Alzheimer’s disease.

She was with us children as we learned to walk.
– Guide her uncertain steps today as her balance fails her.

She taught us to cross streets and be safe.
– Help her not to get lost, even in her familiar surroundings.

She held us close in the terrors of the darkest nightmares.
– May she not be frightened today by the reality of her life, which is strange and totally out of her control.

She cooked thousands of meals over decades of time.
– Please allow her to accept the caring hand that now feeds her.

She changed diapers, Lord, and served you each time she did.
– Please give her now the humility and grace to be served in this way.

Loving God, the familiar eyes of my mother
now respond with a blank stare.
She is unable to carry on a conversation,
to ask about her family
or to serve in the central role she has in our family.

Help her accept the surrender of her life these days.
Open her prayerful heart and fading mind
to be aware of your presence with her,
perhaps now closer than ever.

Give us, her family, the patience, courage and acceptance
to love her as she is and to support her in her daily needs.

source: creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Mothers/

I just thought that was beautiful, and will be sharing it with my mother whose father has Alzeheimer’s. God bless you.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Hi MarieVeronica

Well, I would suggest the chaplet of Divine Mercy – it’s wonderful! You could pray the rest of the prayers, and she could pray the shorter part:
“For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

You could even do the first part and she could reply with the second part (“have mercy on us and on the whole world”) the way it’s often done when praying in a group. When I pray this, I often substitute a specific person’s name for the “on us” part. You two could put in one of her children’s/your sibling’s names there, changing it throughout the five decades.

I found this and wanted to share it (it’s not for her to pray, but for you):

I just thought that was beautiful, and will be sharing it with my mother whose father has Alzeheimer’s. God bless you.

Hi Belle Thank you so much for the suggestion. I don’t think that mother would be able to follow the Divine Mercy Chaplet, though. But I really love the other prayer you included. I will add it to my own daily prayers. I appreciate it, very much. God bless you.

Maybe I will have to try to get creative, and “pen” a short prayer that she can say. Now, there’s a challenge for me.

 

[Ilroy]

You say your mother wants to pray for her children…the prayer to St. Monica would be perfect I think…if you can print it out and she could just read it, she could pray it easily…

Dear St. Monica,
troubled wife and mother,
many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime.
Yet, you never despaired or lost faith.
With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,
you prayed daily for the conversion
of your beloved husband, Patricius,
and your beloved son, Augustine;
your prayers were answered.
Grant me that same fortitude, patience,
and trust in the Lord.
Intercede for me, dear St. Monica,
that God may favorably hear my plea for

(Mention your intention here.)

and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

 

[leonie]

How about three Hail Marys ? I read a really neat article on this devotion once.

She could pray a set for each child.

inmendham.com/mary/mm6.htm

catholictradition.org/Mary/three.htm

 

[eli1118]

Thanks so much for posting the links on the Three Hail Marys. I was not aware of this practice.
I was learn so much here.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Oh, thank you one and all!:grouphug: There are some lovely prayers here for me to give to my mother. God bless!

 

[Belle10]

Hi Belle Thank you so much for the suggestion. I don’t think that mother would be able to follow the Divine Mercy Chaplet, though. But I really love the other prayer you included. I will add it to my own daily prayers. I appreciate it, very much. God bless you.

Maybe I will have to try to get creative, and “pen” a short prayer that she can say. Now, there’s a challenge for me.

Hey MV

I figured she probably wouldn’t be able to follow the chaplet of Divine Mercy by herself, but perhaps you could pray it with her, leading her…

Don’t forget, the shortest, easiest prayer is simply “Jesus.” His Holy name is in itself an all-encompassing prayer.

If you just want something very simple, how about something like this:

Dear Lord,
Please care for my children, keep them always close to you. I love you, Amen.

It’s short and to the point…

Offering a prayer for both of you now. :hug1:

 

[leonie]

Jesus and Mary, save souls! is another prayer that I love.