ARCWP First Friday Prayer Gathering, May 1, 2026 - Celebrating Mary and the Feminine Face of the Divine

 

Holy Women of the New Testament Icon

Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82037218868?pwd=anczL0EyclFsWjM3QXZUZ0M5QTFXdz09
Meeting ID: 820 3721 8868
Passcode: 112349

Welcome and Theme: Welcome dear Sisters and Brothers to our monthly prayer gathering. Today is the first day of May, the month when we traditionally honor Mary, the Mother of Jesus.   In this month of May—a time of blossoming, renewal, and honoring Mary—we gather to celebrate the Divine Feminine: the nurturing, creative, and justice-seeking presence of God alive in all creation.

Our focus today is two-fold: honoring Mary and honoring each other as the feminine face of the Divine. Our opening prayer is The Divine Feminine Blessing, by Maribai Starr, a meditation that uses the breath to connect with our indwelling feminine presence. This breathing meditation creates deeper awareness of ourselves, while also evoking the intimacy and presence of the Spirit. 

Let us pray:

Opening Prayer: Divine Feminine Blessing | 3-Minute Meditation with Mirabai Starr

https://youtu.be/oJdO3w6d7S0?si=HVCaJaxwk25CpA5y

The Divine Feminine Blessing by Mirabai Starr 

Beloved One, Shekinah, Indwelling, Feminine Presence, Imminence, Embodiment, Mother-Heart, 

Please come flowing into every open window in our souls right now, as we call to you. 

Infuse every cell of our bodies with your fierce and tender Mother-wisdom. 

Give us the strength to speak truth to power in these fractured times. 

Give us the tenderness and humility to listen deeply to those that we are conditioned to otherize. 

And reminder us, again and again when we forget that we belong to each other, and we belong to you. 

Reflection on the Divine Feminine by Clare Julian Carbone

Was Jesus’ true purpose in coming to us to restore the Divine Feminine?

Shared thoughts

Song: Litany of Mary by Laura & David Ash, Video by MTStreck

https://youtu.be/wqS8V7t-uPo

Prayers for the Community and the world

Leader: For Earth, our common home, in crisis—

All: Mothering God, heal your creation.

Leader: For forests burning and waters rising—

All: Mothering God, renew the Earth.

Leader: For species lost and ecosystems broken—

All: Mothering God, protect all life.

Leader: For those most affected by climate injustice—

All: Mothering God, bring justice and restoration.

Leader: For hearts hardened by indifference or greed—

All: Mothering God, transform us.

Leader: For ourselves, that we may live more gently—

All: Mothering God, guide our way. 

Leader: For whom or for what shall we pray? (please voice your intentions)

All: Mothering God, you hear us. Amen.

Blessing

Leader: Please raise your hands and together pray our blessing for each other:

May the Divine Feminine—known in Mary,
in Sophia, and in the living Earth—
guide you and empower you.

May you walk gently upon the Earth,
act justly for all beings,
and trust the sacred power within you.

Amen.

Closing Song:

Women of the Church  - Song by Carey Landry  - Video by MT Streck

https://youtu.be/Q-H1vOQDFEc