Blest Be the Tie That Binds (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 656)
1 Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the unity of heart and mind
is like to that above.
2 Before our Father’s throne
we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
3 We share our mutual woes,
our mutual burdens bear,
and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
4 From sorrow, toil, and pain,
and sin we shall be free;
and perfect love and friendship reign
through all eternity.
Devotion
Every Mother’s Day I think back on the love my mother shared with me and our family. Her passion and active yet gentle spirit encouraged me to move forward no matter how crazy my next adventure. However, I know too many who have a more dysfunctional maternal relationship. I also think of those wonderful women I know who are unable to have children. I think of all the ties that bind us. Even if our personal maternal relationships are not the best, there are other mothers willing to share their love. Whether in our extended families, congregations, or a neighbor next door, there is a loving mother waiting for you. For God’s Holy Maternal Spirit is found all around us. Our faith calls us to reach out in love to our mothers and any who feel lonely on this or any other day. You are loved!
Prayer
Loving, nurturing God, hold us in your embrace. Joyfully walk with those who have a current, loving relationship with a mother, grandmother, aunts, or others. Encourage us to reach out in love to someone who misses their mother or simply needs more from God’s maternal nature. Amen.