The Mothers’ Union Prayer and Mary Sumner Prayer

Mary Sumner

As a young woman, Mary Sumner took a special interest in women and their families. When she started meeting with mothers of the parish in 1876, Mary wrote the first Mothers’ Union prayer. The current prayer, like the original, focuses on the real concerns and needs of women throughout the world.

The Mothers’ Union Prayer

Loving Lord,
We thank you for your love so freely given to us all.

We pray for families around the world.

Bless the work of the Mothers’ Union
as we seek to share your love
through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life.

Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship,
and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen

The Mary Sumner Prayer

                 Written in 1876 by Mothers’ Union founder, Mary Sumner

All this day, O Lord,
let me touch as many lives as possible for thee;
and every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken,
whether through the word I speak,
the prayer I breathe,
or the life I live.

Amen.

 MU history on the Isle of Man

We would like to add our own island history of Mothers’ Union and wondered what anyone could tell us. Please contact with any information you may have about any of the branches, deaneries or diocese.

Did you know we have a Mothers’ Union stained glass window on the island? It is at St. Olaves in Ramsey. Below are some pictures of the window. The first one shows the whole window.

Below is a close up of the MU part. Have you heard of St. Elizabeth of Hungary? Her Saints day is 17th November the day she died in 1231. She was born in 1207 so only had a very short life but showed great love for the poor and suffering. You can find out more at www.newadvent

A close up of our Mothers’ Union initials.