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Japanese Family and friends can pray this for an expectant mother: “Lord, you are forming this child in [name]’s womb. Keep mother and baby safe and well through every week, give her doctors and midwives skill, calm her fears, and bring her through the birth in health. Thank you for this new life. Amen.”
A midwife’s or doctor’s care comes first, and prayer goes with it. If you are bleeding, have severe pain, or your baby is moving less than usual, call your midwife, maternity unit or doctor now, even in the middle of the night, and pray on the way.
A traditional prayer for a woman with child
Bishop John England’s Catholic prayer book The Garden of the Soul gives a prayer “that may be daily said by a woman with child.” It opens:
O Lord God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, who hast made us all out of nothing, and redeemed us by the precious blood of thy only Son; look down upon thy poor handmaid here prostrate before thee humbly imploring thy mercy, and begging thy blessing for herself and her child, which thou hast given her to conceive. Preserve, I beseech thee, the work of thy hands, and defend both me and the tender fruit of my womb from all perils and all evils: grant me in due time a happy delivery, and bring my child safe to the font of baptism, that it may be there happily dedicated to thee, to love and serve thee faithfully for ever.
The Garden of the Soul (New York, 1871), “A Prayer that may be daily said by a Woman with Child,” p. 282
The full prayer goes on to confess sins before the birth and ends by asking again for “a happy delivery.” The Episcopal Church’s 1928 Book of Common Prayer names expectant mothers in its Litany, asking God “to preserve all who travel by land, by water, or by air, all women in child-birth, all sick persons, and young children.”
Prayers through the months of pregnancy
These are written for the mother to pray. Family and friends can pray them for her with her name in place of “I” and “me.”
When you first find out
Lord, I have just found out that I am pregnant, and I am still taking it in. Thank you for this child. Keep the baby safe in these early weeks, when so much is happening that no one can see. “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). Amen.
For a first-time mother
God, I have never done this before, and every twinge makes me wonder. Give me good information and sensible people to ask. Teach me what my body is telling me, and help me not to read every worry on the internet at midnight. Amen.
For the baby growing in the womb
Father, form this child as you formed each of us: heart, lungs, hands and mind. You said to Jeremiah, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee” (Jeremiah 1:5). You already know this baby. Let every part grow as it should. Amen.
For sickness and tiredness
Lord, I am sick in the mornings and tired all day. Settle my stomach, give me the rest I need, and help me be patient with my body and with the people around me. Amen.
Before a scan or test result
God, the scan is tomorrow and I am afraid of what they may find. Whatever the result, hold us. Give the doctors clear eyes and kind words, and give me the courage to hear what they say. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee” (Isaiah 41:10). Amen.
For a high-risk pregnancy
Lord, this pregnancy carries risks, and the appointments are many. Guide the specialists, protect my baby and me, and give me peace to rest when I have been told to rest. You “gently lead those that are with young” (Isaiah 40:11). Lead me gently now. Amen.
For an unexpected pregnancy
God, I did not plan this, and I am frightened about money, work and what people will say. Give me people who will help rather than judge, and the courage to protect this child’s life and my own. Show me the next step. Amen.
For the baby’s father
Father, bless the father of this child. Make him patient and present, ready to help at home and at appointments. Keep us united and kind to each other as our life changes. Amen.
For older brothers and sisters
Lord, our older children are wondering what the new baby will mean for them. Help them feel loved and needed, and let them grow to be good friends to their new brother or sister. Amen.
For money and preparations
God, there is so much to buy and arrange, and our budget is small. Provide what we need, help us tell needs from wants, and send us generous friends and family. Amen.
To be a good mother
Lord, I want to be a good mother, and I am not sure I know how. Give me patience, a gentle voice, and the humility to ask for help. Let my child learn your love from mine. Amen.
Prayers for labor and the birth
Jesus himself used childbirth as a picture of sorrow turned to joy: “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world” (John 16:21).
As the due date comes near: Lord, the day is coming. Prepare my body and my mind. Give me strength for the labor, wisdom to the doctors and midwives, and a safe first breath to my baby. However the birth goes, quick or long, planned or not, stay with me. Amen.
For a mother in labor, prayed by her family: God, [name] is in labor now. Give her strength for each contraction, and skill and calm to everyone caring for her. Bring her and the baby safely through, and let us soon hear good news. Amen.
After the birth: The Orthodox Church has prayers for the first day after a woman has given birth. The first begins:
O Master, Lord Almighty, who healest every infirmity and every weakness: Heal thou also this thy servant, N., who this day hath given birth to a child, and raise her up from the bed whereon she lieth.
Hapgood, Service Book of the Holy Orthodox-Catholic Apostolic (Greco-Russian) Church (1906), Prayers on the First Day after a Woman hath given Birth to a Child, p. 267
It goes on to ask God to “preserve her and this child which she hath borne” and to “cover her with the shadow of thy wings.” The 1928 Book of Common Prayer gives a thanksgiving for a mother’s safe delivery:
O Almighty God, we give thee humble thanks for that thou hast been graciously pleased to preserve, through the great pain and peril of child-birth, this woman, thy servant, who desireth now to offer her praises and thanksgivings unto thee. Grant, we beseech thee, most merciful Father, that she, through thy help, may faithfully live according to thy will in this life, and also may be partaker of everlasting glory in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer (1928), Thanksgivings, “The Thanksgiving of Women after Child-birth,” p. 51
A mother’s prayer for her pregnant daughter
Lord, my daughter is expecting, and I remember what it was like. Keep her and the baby well, give her a good doctor and a calm birth, and show me how to help without taking over. Let her lean on me when she needs to, and on you always. Amen.
Grandparents-to-be can find more prayers for a pregnant daughter.
If the pregnancy ends in loss
Lord, our baby has died, and we do not know how to bear it. You are “nigh unto them that are of a broken heart” (Psalm 34:18). Hold us, and hold our child. Amen.
If grief after losing a baby becomes more than you can carry, reach out today: call or text 988 in the US, or call Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK and Ireland. There are also more Christian and crisis lines.
Hannah, Elisabeth and the Psalms
Hannah prayed for years for a son. When Samuel was born and weaned, she brought him to the tabernacle and said, “For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him” (1 Samuel 1:27). When the pregnant Mary visited her cousin Elisabeth, who was also expecting, “the babe leaped in her womb,” and Elisabeth said, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” (Luke 1:41–42). The Psalms speak of God’s care from before birth: “thou art my God from my mother’s belly” (Psalm 22:10).
Saint Gerard and prayers to the saints
Asking the saints to pray is Catholic and Orthodox practice; Protestants generally address their prayers to God alone. Many Catholics ask the prayers of Saint Gerard Majella, an Italian Redemptorist lay brother who died in 1755 and was canonized in 1904, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia. His role as patron of expectant mothers is a popular devotion. It rests on a story the Redemptorists spread: a handkerchief he left with a family was later pressed to a young mother in a dangerous labor, who prayed to him and gave birth to a healthy child.
Prayer for a Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a miraculous journey, filled with hope and anticipation. This prayer seeks God’s blessing for the health and well-being of both mother and child throughout this special time.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the precious life growing within. We pray for Your divine protection over this pregnancy.
Lord, guard the health of this mother. Strengthen her body, calm her mind, and uplift her spirit. May she feel Your presence in every moment, from the first flutter to the final push.
Watch over this developing child, O God. Form each tiny finger and toe with Your loving care. Shield this little one from harm and allow them to grow strong and healthy in the womb.
Guide the medical professionals involved in this pregnancy. Grant them wisdom, skill, and compassion as they care for mother and baby.
We trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that You knit this child together in the secret place. May this pregnancy be a testament to Your glory and grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
As Psalm 139:13-14 reminds us, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” This prayer reinforces our faith in God’s design and care for every life, from conception onward.
Prayer for Peace and Calm
Pregnancy can bring a mix of emotions, including anxiety and worry. This prayer seeks God’s peace to calm the heart and mind of expectant mothers during this transformative time.
Dear Lord, we come to You seeking Your perfect peace that surpasses all understanding. We lift up this expectant mother, asking for Your calming presence to envelop her.
Father, when worries arise, remind her of Your unfailing love. When fears creep in, fill her with Your courage. When doubts surface, strengthen her faith in Your promises.
Grant her restful sleep and peaceful days. May she find comfort in Your Word and joy in the miracle growing within her. Help her to trust in Your perfect timing and plan.
Lord, surround her with supportive loved ones who can offer encouragement and help. Let her feel Your gentle reassurance in every kick and movement of her baby.
We declare Your peace over her mind, body, and spirit. May she rest in the knowledge that You hold her and her child in the palm of Your hand. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This prayer invites God’s peace to reign in the heart of the expectant mother.
Prayer for Safe Delivery
As the due date approaches, many mothers feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This prayer seeks God’s protection and guidance for a safe and smooth delivery experience.
Gracious God, as we approach the miraculous moment of birth, we place our trust in Your loving hands. We pray for Your divine intervention in the delivery of this precious child.
Lord, prepare this mother’s body for the task ahead. Grant her strength, endurance, and courage for labor and delivery. Calm her fears and fill her with confidence in Your presence.
Watch over every aspect of the birthing process. Guide the hands of the doctors, nurses, and midwives. May they work with skill, wisdom, and compassion.
Protect this baby as they make their journey into the world. Ensure a safe passage and a healthy first breath. Let the sound of their cry bring joy and relief to all present.
Father, we trust in Your perfect timing. Whether the delivery is quick or long, natural or assisted, may Your peace reign. We look forward to celebrating the miracle of new life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Isaiah 66:9 assures us, “I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born, says the Lord.” This prayer acknowledges God’s sovereignty over the birthing process and seeks His blessing for a safe delivery.
Prayer for Bonding with Baby
The connection between mother and child begins long before birth. This prayer asks for God’s blessing on this special bond, both during pregnancy and after the baby arrives.
Loving Father, we thank You for the miracle of life and the unique bond between mother and child. We pray for a deep and lasting connection between this mother and her baby.
Lord, as this child grows in the womb, strengthen the invisible ties that bind them together. May the mother’s love flow freely to her baby through every thought, touch, and word.
Help this mother to cherish each moment of pregnancy, from the first flutter to the strong kicks. Let her marvel at the wonder of Your creation growing within her.
Prepare her heart for the moment she’ll hold her baby for the first time. Fill that instant with overwhelming love, joy, and gratitude for Your precious gift.
Guide this mother as she learns to interpret her baby’s needs. Grant her patience, intuition, and wisdom as she begins this new chapter of motherhood. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” This prayer celebrates the God-ordained bond between mother and child, recognizing its importance for both.
Prayer for Physical Comfort
Pregnancy can bring various physical discomforts. This prayer seeks God’s relief and strength for expectant mothers as their bodies change and adapt to nurture new life.
Compassionate Father, we come before You acknowledging the physical challenges of pregnancy. We ask for Your comfort and relief for this expectant mother.
Lord, ease the aches and pains that come with carrying this precious life. Soothe tired muscles, calm unsettled stomachs, and grant restful sleep.
When fatigue sets in, renew her strength. When discomfort arises, remind her of the beautiful purpose behind these changes. Help her to embrace this season with grace and patience.
Guide her in caring for her changing body. Bless the nourishment she provides for her growing baby. May she find joy in the miraculous ways her body adapts to nurture new life.
We trust in Your design of the female body for this incredible task. Grant this mother physical comfort and the endurance to carry her child to term. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” This prayer recognizes the sacredness of the body during pregnancy and seeks God’s comfort for physical challenges.
Prayer for Wisdom in Parenting
Becoming a parent is a life-changing event that brings both joy and responsibility. This prayer asks for God’s wisdom and guidance as expectant parents prepare for their new role.
Heavenly Father, we come before You seeking Your divine wisdom as we prepare for parenthood. We ask for Your guidance in raising this child in a way that honors You.
Lord, grant us discernment in making decisions for our family. Help us to create a loving, nurturing environment for our child to grow and thrive in.
Fill us with patience, understanding, and unconditional love. Teach us to lead by example, demonstrating Your love and grace in our daily lives.
Guide us in teaching our child about You. May we nurture their faith from an early age, helping them to know and love You.
We acknowledge our need for Your wisdom in every aspect of parenting. May we always turn to You for guidance, trusting in Your perfect plan for our family. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Proverbs 22:6 instructs, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” This prayer seeks God’s wisdom to fulfill this important responsibility of parenthood.
Prayer for Financial Provision
Welcoming a new life often comes with financial considerations. This prayer seeks God’s provision and wisdom in managing resources to care for the growing family.
Gracious Provider, we come before You acknowledging our dependence on Your provision. We seek Your blessing and guidance in our finances as we prepare for this new addition to our family.
Lord, we trust in Your promise to supply all our needs. Grant us wisdom in budgeting and spending. Help us to be good stewards of the resources You’ve given us.
Provide for the necessities required for our baby’s arrival. Whether it’s medical expenses, baby supplies, or adjustments to our living situation, we trust in Your provision.
Guide us in making sound financial decisions for our family’s future. Help us to balance our current needs with long-term planning.
We place our financial concerns in Your capable hands, knowing that You care for us more than the birds of the air or the flowers of the field. May our faith in Your provision grow through this experience. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Matthew 6:33 encourages us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This prayer acknowledges God as the ultimate provider and seeks His guidance in financial matters.
Prayer for Marriage Strengthening
Pregnancy and new parenthood can bring changes to a marriage. This prayer seeks God’s blessing on the couple’s relationship as they prepare to become parents together.
Loving Father, we thank You for the gift of marriage and the blessing of this child. We pray for Your hand upon our relationship as we enter this new chapter of parenthood.
Lord, deepen our love and commitment to each other. Help us to support and encourage one another through the challenges and joys of pregnancy and beyond.
Grant us patience and understanding as we navigate the changes in our lives. Teach us to communicate openly and honestly, sharing our fears, hopes, and dreams.
Remind us to prioritize our relationship amidst the busyness of preparing for baby. Help us to find moments of connection and intimacy.
We invite You into the center of our marriage and our growing family. May our love for each other reflect Your love for us, providing a strong foundation for our child. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” This prayer recognizes the importance of keeping God at the center of marriage, especially as couples prepare for parenthood.
Prayer for Baby’s Future
Every parent hopes for a bright future for their child. This prayer entrusts the unborn baby’s life and future into God’s loving hands.
Eternal God, we come before You with hearts full of hope for our unborn child. We entrust this precious life into Your loving care, both now and for all their future days.
Lord, we pray for Your purpose to be fulfilled in our child’s life. May they grow to know You, love You, and serve You with all their heart.
Bless them with good health, a sound mind, and a kind heart. Surround them with godly influences and opportunities to develop their God-given talents.
Protect them from harm and guide their steps along the path of righteousness. May they be a light in this world, reflecting Your love to others.
We release our own plans and expectations, trusting in Your perfect will for our child’s life. May their future be bright and filled with Your presence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This prayer acknowledges God’s sovereignty over the child’s life and future.
Prayer for Mother’s Health Post-Delivery
The postpartum period is a crucial time for a mother’s recovery and adjustment. This prayer seeks God’s healing and strength for new mothers in the weeks following childbirth.
Compassionate Healer, we lift up new mothers to You, asking for Your restorative touch in the days and weeks following childbirth. We pray for complete healing and renewed strength.
Lord, watch over her physical recovery. Ease any pain or discomfort and grant her body the rest it needs to heal. Bless the nourishment she takes in to regain her strength.
Guard her emotional and mental well-being. Shield her from anxiety and depression. Fill her with joy in her new role, even amidst the challenges.
Surround her with supportive family and friends who can offer practical help and encouragement. Guide medical professionals in providing the best postpartum care.
We trust in Your gentle care for new mothers. May this time of recovery be blessed with Your peace and grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Psalm 147:3 tells us, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” This prayer recognizes God’s role as the ultimate healer, seeking His care for mothers in their postpartum recovery.
Prayer for Siblings’ Adjustment
Welcoming a new baby can be a big adjustment for older siblings. This prayer seeks God’s help in preparing siblings for the new arrival and fostering loving family relationships.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of family. We pray for Your guidance as we prepare our other children for the arrival of their new sibling.
Lord, help us to involve our children in this exciting time of waiting. Fill their hearts with love and excitement for their new brother or sister.
Ease any fears or insecurities they may have about the changes to come. Remind them of their special place in our family and in Your heart.
Grant us wisdom in helping our children adjust to their new roles. Teach us how to divide our attention and love among all our children.
We pray that strong, loving bonds will form between all our children. May they grow to be each other’s best friends and strongest supporters. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Psalm 133:1 declares, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” This prayer seeks God’s help in fostering unity and love among siblings as the family grows.
Prayer for Community Support
A supportive community can make a significant difference during pregnancy and early parenthood. This prayer asks for God’s blessing in surrounding the expectant family with caring individuals.
Gracious God, we recognize our need for community during this special time. We pray for Your provision of supportive friends, family, and neighbors as we prepare for and welcome our new baby.
Lord, bring caring people into our lives who can offer encouragement, wisdom, and practical help. May we find fellowship with other parents who can share in our joys and challenges.
Guide us to a nurturing church family where we can grow in faith alongside our children. Provide godly mentors who can offer guidance in parenting and marriage.
Help us to be open to receiving help from others. Teach us also to be a support to other families in similar seasons of life.
We thank You for the gift of community. May the support we receive reflect Your love and care for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Galatians 6:2 instructs us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This prayer acknowledges the importance of community support and seeks God’s provision in this area.
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