Prayer for Life throughout the Year
Prayer For Babies in Their Mother's Womb
O God of all creation,
Nurture and protect tiny children and keep them safe in the sanctuary of their mother's womb.
As You so wondrously form their hearts and minds and lungs and souls, so strengthen our will to lovingly nurture and protect them.
Give us the eyes to see them as our brothers and sisters, the minds to welcome them as our own, and the faith to defend them as Your children.
We ask this through the intercession of Mary, our Blessed Mother, and the mother of all the little ones, through Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer For Babies About to Be Born
Heavenly Father,
From the moment these children were conceived, You knew their names.
In the silent first hours of their lives, as cells divided and their living flesh quickened, Your love breathed deep within and they began to grow in Your image and likeness.
May our prayers be accompanied by choirs of angels as we await their births.
We ask this through Your child who was formed in the Virgin's womb and who lived and died for us,
Lord, forever and ever. Amen.
Blessing of Parents Before the Birth of Their Child
Gracious Father,
Your Word, spoken in love, created the human family and, in the fullness of time, Your Son, conceived in love, restored it to Your friendship.
Hear the prayers of Parents awaiting the birth of a child, calm their fears when they are anxious.
Watch over and support these parents and bring their child into this world safely and in good health, so that as members of Your family they may praise You and glorify You through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen.
Blessing of a Mother Before Childbirth
God has brought gladness and light to the world through the Virgin Mary's delivery of her child. May Christ fill your heart with His holy joy and keep you and your baby safe from harm.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.