Missing Sisters

This year as remains of precious sisters and daughters were found in landfills we were poignantly reminded of the terrible ongoing reality of #MMIWG2S.  May all across this country, all levels of government, law enforcement, and the service sector, dedicate renewed efforts to understanding and implementing the Calls to Justice of the Final Report of the National Inquiry.  May we honour the dead, grieve with the living, seek the missing, and commit our nation to change.

Words and image: Jennifer Henry

May 4, 2025

Sister Spirit,
You are the beat in our drums, the harmony in our songs, the spring in our steps, the roll in our wheels, and the passion in our words. Live within and amongst the women of the world. Disturb the systems that exploit and exclude. Inhabit our struggles and enliven our movements. Link us to one another in deep solidarity until there is bread for all. And, yes, there are roses too. Amen.
Words: Jennifer Henry 2024
Image: Vonecia Carswell (Unsplash)

Sister Spirit of Struggle,

we claim your presence,

in the marchers and rollers,

for women’s voice and vote,

in the striking workers,

for bread, herring and roses too,

in the women peacemakers,

resisting the warring of yesteryear and today.

Sister, we see you

in the women on the frontlines of car,

whether plague or trauma,

in the women who defend land and water,

who decry racism and hate,

who guard dignity, unveil ableism,

create art and possibility.

Spirit, move where you will,

in nurture and challenge, diversity and unity,

as we link dreams across continents and struggles,

this international Women’s Day and everyday.

Amen.

Words: Jennifer Henry (2021)

A Prayer for Women made Weapons of War

Mothering God, you created us in dignity and diversity to reflect your image.

We pray for places in the world where conflict scars your face,

where the peace You left us seems beyond reach.

Help us to remember your daughters, whose bodies are landscapes for war.

Guard their dignity, protect their wellbeing, embolden their courage.

May we be present with you, as you uphold women peacemakers who transform communities in love and justice.

In hope and solidarity we pray.

Amen.

Words Jennifer Henry

Image Alex Radelich, Unsplash

For All Who Mother,

Creator, we give thanks for all those who mother in diverse and wonderful ways. May we find words and ways to express our gratitude.

For the mothers who build peace all around the world that the lives of their children might be transformed. May the origins of this day be honored with our deepened commitment to peace.

For the mothers of Black sons, of Indigenous daughters, of all racialized children. May racist violence and white supremacy end and safety, equity and justice for all children be made real.

For the spiritual mothers, chosen mothers, mothers of history and mothers of movements who have helped to bring about change in church and world.  May our lives and our choices build on their legacy. 

For those seeking to mother who are denied, for those who grieve their mothers, for mothers who grieve their children, and for those for whom the word “mother” is pain and not comfort. May your stories be honoured.

For our Mother the Earth, who is wounded by our neglect and excess. May we learn from what she is teaching us about how to truly live.

We lift all these prayers to you, Creator. With your Mothering love, receive our prayers. Amen

Words: Jennifer Henry

May 9, 2020