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A Prayer For A Mother's Birthday
A heartfelt birthday prayer that expresses love, gratitude, and blessings for mothers.
A mother’s birthday is more than a date on the calendar. It is a special time to pause and think about the love, care, encouragement, and countless things she has done throughout the years. It is also an opportunity to let her know just how much she means to us.
In this heartfelt prayer by Henry Van Dyke, we are reminded of the special bond between a mother and child. His words express gratitude for a mother's love while asking God to protect her, guide her, bring her peace, and bless her both on earth and in heaven.
May this prayer help you express some of the feelings that can be difficult to put into words and remind you to thank God for the blessing of a mother and the love she has given.
Updated September 21, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
A Prayer For A Mother's Birthday
Poet: Henry Van Dyke
Lord Jesus, Thou hast known
A mother's love and tender care:
And Thou wilt hear, while for my own
Mother most dear I make this birthday prayer.
Protect her life, I pray,
Who gave the gift of life to me;
And may she know, from day to day,
The deepening glow of Life that comes from Thee.
As once upon her breast
Fearless and well content I lay,
So let her heart, on Thee at rest,
Feel fears depart and troubles fade away.
Her every wish fulfill;
And even if Thou must refuse
In anything, let Thy wise will
A comfort bring such as kind mothers use.
Ah, hold her by the hand,
As once her hand held mine;
And though she may not understand
Life's winding way, lead her in peace divine.
I cannot pay my debt
For all the love that she has given;
But Thou, love's Lord, wilt not forget
Her due reward,—bless her in earth and heaven.
Key Reflections In This Prayer
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A Mother's Love Is A Gift
A mother's love is shown in countless ways throughout our lives. This prayer reminds us to recognize that love and be thankful for all she has given.
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Prayer Is A Meaningful Birthday Gift
Birthday celebrations often include cards and gifts, but prayer offers something deeper. Asking God to protect and bless our mother is a beautiful way to show how much we care.
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We Never Outgrow A Mother's Care
The prayer remembers the comfort of being held safely in a mother's arms. Even as the years pass, those memories and the love behind them remain with us.
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We Can Ask God To Guide Her
Life does not always follow an easy or understandable path. Van Dyke's words remind us that we can pray for God to hold our mother's hand and lead her with peace.
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Gratitude Goes Beyond What We Can Repay
There are some gifts we can never fully repay, and a mother's love is one of them. What we can do is express our gratitude, show our love, and ask God to bless her.
Popular Pages
Continue celebrating your mother with these heartfelt poems and words of love and appreciation.
Share a touching expression of love and gratitude with To My Mother On Her Birthday.
Celebrate all that she means to you with the heartfelt thoughts found in Words For A Wonderful Mother.
Discover more timeless poetry from well-known poets in our collection of Famous Poems.
Conclusion
A mother's birthday gives us a wonderful opportunity to tell her how much she is loved and appreciated. Henry Van Dyke's prayer reminds us that some of the greatest gifts we can give are our gratitude, our love, and our prayers for her happiness and well-being.
Whether your mother is near, far away, or remembered with love in heaven, may this prayer help you reflect on the difference she has made in your life. May it also remind you to treasure the memories you share and to be thankful for a mother's love.
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