Mar 03, 2023 10:00 A.M. With tears of joy streaming down her face, a mother clutched her husband's hand tightly as they received the news they had been praying for. R/. Thank you, God. 251 After the invitation, "Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing," or something similar is said, a minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by facing the mother and saying: May God, the source of all life, protect you by his goodness. It is not because we are good people, but it is because you are a good father. Father, I speak a blessing over my child and I. 238 The present order may be used by a priest, a deacon, or a lay minister. Baptism took place in a matter of days rather than weeks after birth. You created me, and now you have created my baby. 256 and 278. Help us both to enjoy these early childhood years together. You are my fortress, Lord, you protect me from harm. They come into this experience we call life so new, so fresh and so pure. The minister says: Christ the Lord, the blessed fruit of Mary's womb, by the mystery of his incarnation filled the world with his grace and goodness. To rise above what we are accustomed to, reach deeper inside ourselves than we are familiar with, and to see not only what we are truly made of, but the strength we can access in and through birth.". The ceremony is held to prepare an expectant mother for her upcoming birth journeyto shower mom-to-be with love, support and encouragement. A mother is something absolutely new." - Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. R/. New Life Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you love children and families. Welcome your baby into the world with these beautiful Irish blessings. Learn more about Jesuit Resource. "Giving birth and being born brings us into the essence of creation, where the human spirit is courageous and bold and the body, a miracle of wisdom.". Comfort Prayer God of All Comfort, bring peace to my mind and my heart as I journey through childbirth. because you rule the peoples in equity; Amen! Through scripture we can gain an idea of how God views babies - they are his creations, and are therefore a blessing to us all. Endnotes: 12. Know a prayer that could be added to this page? May her child be preserved for the holy regeneration of baptism, In this state of peace I know my true being. Blessing of a Mother After Childbirth (Short Formulary) As circumstances suggest, a priest or deacon may use the following short blessing formulary: May the Lord God almighty, | who through. Keep us protected and divinely guided in all matters and at all times. in the unity of the Holy Spirit, Let me cling onto your promises. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. Verse Concepts. May your peace enfold me, your wisdom guide me, your hand protect me, and your love fill me. Bless me with the strength I need right now and ensure a safe and smooth labor process. 240-252, is used. in their profession of the true faith, In other families, both parents give blessings-either together and in unison, or first one parent, followed by the other. Bible Verses for a Healthy Pregnancy 1. Prayer for Peace All-Knowing God, thank you that you know exactly what I need as I give birth today. Those given here may be used or adapted or others that apply to the mother and the particular circumstances may be composed. R. Amen. Protect the mother, the baby, who is ready to start this new adventure. R. Assisting minister: For the gladness that has delighted all our hearts at this birth. R. Amen. 232 All make the sign of the cross as the minister says: 233 One of those present or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example: Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the first book of Samuel: 1:19-20, 24-2:1 The birth of Samuel. And for the proud parents: May God grant you a wee bit of heaven to cradle in your arms - a sweet bonny baby to hold close to your heart. Give me a sense of calm and purpose as I go through labor and delivery. Advertisement. As I go through labor, your grace is enough to meet my needs. R. Amen. Bless our family, Lord. Amen. Let us pray to God, who throughout the ages For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. May she grow up with love and a gracious heart. New York: Catholic Book Publishing Co., Throughout Church history, mothers were very often not present for the baptism of their children for two reasons. Prayer for Gods Guidance - Father in Heaven, You made me Your child and . R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. making our forefathers Your beloved people, safely and in good health, 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. As an expectant mother, there are many things you can do to prepare for labor and delivery. Then he blesses all present. 274 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song. R. And let not the son of evil draw near to harm her. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. A woman who is nourished, nurtured and given lots of . May Christ fill your heart with His holy joy and keep you and your baby safe from harm. 241 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture. R. Amen. There is also a specific Order of Blessing of a Mother Before Childbirth that includes asking God for strength at the hour of birth and for "holy joy" before and during the birth. May the Holy Spirit indwell in our hearts and God reign in our lives. . Whatever happens, I know that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. 229 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by saying: May God, the source of all life, protect you by his goodness. Such a wee little fit, sent from above. May I glorify you throughout this process. JesuitResource.org is a service of Xavier University's Center for Mission and Identity, Xavier University Center for Mission and Identity 3800 Victory Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45207 513-745-3777, Multi Faith Calendar of Religious Holy Days, Foundational Documents on Jesuit Catholic Education, Xavier University's Center for Mission and Identity. V. Lord, hear my prayer. 240 When the family or a community of the faithful has gathered, the minister says: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. May Mary be her guide and support, calming her fears and strengthening her love. This rite is rarely used nowadays, as modern medicine generally allows women to recover from childbirth in a matter of days, and the baptism of children generally takes place a number of weeks after birth, so mothers are able to participate. This blessing is provided to assist the parents in their grief and console them with the blessing of God. 238 The present order may be used by a priest, a deacon, or a lay minister. And so she remained at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him. She left him there; and as she worshiped the Lord, she said: "My heart exults in the Lord,my horn is exalted in my God.I have swallowed up my enemies;I rejoice in my victory.". You know me better than anyone else and you know my needs. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. give hope to their hearts, Receive this life you created in love I know that physical pain can overwhelm me. R. Your children are like shoots of the olive. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. But we know you can do all of these. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF A MOTHER BEFORE CHILDBIRTH. R. Her hope, O my God, is in You. 221 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing. Amen. ", She left him there; and as she worshiped the LORD, she said: "My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted in my God. Soothe and protect me during this difficult time. Pour out your abundant blessings on my child. The first is that there was a strong emphasis on early baptism of children. V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Lord, I trust that I can find the strength I need in you. I am at one with all creation; I sit in the spirit and the nearness of the God of my Being. 595 Blessing of a Mother Before Childbirth (Short Formular y) 595 Blessing of a Mother After Childbirth (Short Formulary) 596 Blessing of Rosaries (Shorter Rite) This is especially true when a child dies before birth. Sleep, my babe, lie still and slumber, All through the night Guardian angels God will lend thee, All through the night Soft and drowsy hours are creeping, Hill and vale in slumber sleeping, Mother dear her watch is keeping, All through the night God is here, you'll not be lonely, All through the night 'Tis not I who guards thee only, All through the night Night's dark shades will soon be over, Still my watchful care shall hover, God with me His watch is keeping, All through the night. It is a pre-birth celebration, a ceremony where the mother's soul sisters gather to support, empower and celebrate the mama in the lead up to birth. But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness. R/. Hold my hand and lead me. Luke 1:26-38 -- You shall conceive and bear a son. Protect my child and me through this time. When I feel overwhelmed, help me know you can carry me onwards. A blessingway is a woman-centered celebration of the journey into motherhood. Childbirth is easy, the hardest is raising a girl child in this world, fighting for her rights and giving her safety. I can trust that you will bring me safely through this experience, rejoicing in your great gift of a child. On the fortieth day the child is brought to the Temple to be churched, that is, to begin attending church. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. (Let us bless the Lord:) R7. Find all the Catholic prayers for your needs today. It is appropriate that they receive God's blessing together as they wait in faith and hope for the birth of their child. through Christ our Lord. May I know that peace as I give birth. having him leap with joy in his mothers womb. VIII. ABOUT THE BLESSING . May I feel secure in your love and safe in your care. Let us have a glimpse at the best quotes on pregnancy and motherhood enlisted here: 1. Labor Prayer Sovereign Lord, soothe me with your calming grace in this time of labor. For all who are waiting for a birth of a child, may they be given patience and strength. all that I hope for from the LORD. An amazing miracle of creation has occurred in my life: my child was born. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And also with you. May good luck be with you wherever you go. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. News, analysis & spirituality by email, twice-weekly from CatholicCulture.org. Thank you for the gift of new life. I am your child. Please help and protect me through the process of labor and delivery. Endurance Prayer O Lord, my God, thank you that you have plans for me that are for my good and your glory. Thank you for bringing me to this point in time and for your perfect plan for the hours ahead. X. and ask for strength, for healing, and for love. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.". Already in the early Middle Ages, some commentators linked the absence of the mother from the baptism of her child and her eventual churching to Old Testament notions of impurity and uncleanliness associated with childbirth. 36. May Christ, who became like us in the womb of the Virgin Mary, be with you all. Check out this Jesuit/Dominican rap battle, Portuguese bishops announce steps to end sexual abuse in the Church, Report: Wave of murders after elections in Nigeria forces Catholic diocese staff to evacuate, Aid to the Church in Need greatly concerned about Nicaraguan bishop sentenced to prison, We know that hes in heaven: Thousands gather for funeral of Bishop David OConnell in Los Angeles, Bishop Paprocki, Archbishop Naumann speak out in support of Traditional Latin Mass goers in their dioceses. Blessing Prayer Heavenly Father, your word says that children are a gift from the Lord. Lord, I praise you for loving me and my baby. R. And with your spirit. You have promised that all my needs will be supplied by you. It is appropriate that they receive God's blessing together as they wait in faith and hope for the birth of their child. 217 These orders may be used by a priest or a deacon, and also by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister, or a family member. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Your home is brightened now with the presence of your sweet girl! Almighty, everlasting God, Blessing Of A Child To Obtain For It The Mercy Of God. Blessing of A Christmas Crib. The Bible says that weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. God, please give my baby all that is required for a good way of life and for a good way of living. May God bless us, The blessing is performed differently in every family. The leader says the prayer of blessing with hands joined. 267 A prayer of thanksgiving is then said. One of those present or the leader reads a text of Sacred Scripture (Lam 3:17-18, 21-24). Bless this child. In a way, my breath right now gives my child life, and so in this moment, I am drawing closer. Bless their health, their heart and their soul. She conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the Lord for him. For Hard Times For Financial Prosperity For Physical Health For Emotional Health For Protection For a Marriage For Babies and Pregnancy For Family For Spiritual Warfare For Spiritual Health For a Death For the Workplace For Bedtime, Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 25 Short Powerful Prayers for Favor and Breakthrough, 19 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of the 4 Day School Week, 50 Biblically Accurate Facts About Angels in the Bible, 50 Most Profitable Youth Group Fundraising Ideas for Your Church, 250 Ice Breaker Questions for Teen Youth Groups, 25 Important Examples of Pride in the Bible, Why Jesus Wept and 11 Lessons from His Tears, 25 Different Ways to Worship God and Praise the Lord. 235 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the parents; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined. Each moment ahead of us is being cradled in Your good hands. 250 After the prayer of blessing, the minister invites all present to pray for the protection of the Blessed Virgin. Birth Prayer Everlasting Father, thank you that you are the author of life. 248 The intercessions are then said. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon my child. Light our way together. "Labor is also teamwork. May you always walk in sunshine. They are renewed each morning, A prayer for the birth of a child. 230 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying: May God, who chose to give us the joys of eternal salvation through the motherhood of Mary and the protection of Joseph, bless and keep us in his care, now and for ever. Before birth, the Church provides a special Order of Blessing of Parents Before Childbirth. and may Your blessing be always upon her. Draw Near Prayer Loving God, please draw near to me as I call on you. that one day we will all live with you, Help me to find comfort and rest in you. It is different from a baby shower in that it focuses on the femininity and power that comes through growing a baby and giving birth. Congratulations on the birth of world-class beauty and a blessed generation. Order for the Blessing of Parents after a Miscarriage This includes a Shorter Rite. Strengthen Me Prayer O Lord, Mighty in Power, thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus who gives us everything we need. I take hold of the promises in your word when you declare that you will never leave nor forsake me. Prayer for Expectant Mothers #3 - All loving God, you created the human family as . V. Let the enemy have no power against her. May the Spirit of love be attentive to your prayers and strengthen you as the hour of childbirth draws near. Listen to our prayers and help us in our needs. May the nations be glad and exult 273 A lay minister invokes God's blessing on the mother and all present by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying: May the tender love of the Father, the peace of his Son, Jesus Christ, the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit preserve you to live by the light of faith and to reach the promise of eternal happiness. Luke 2:1-14--She gave birth to her firstborn son. Hannah conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the LORD for him. Replace my fear with trust in your plans and purposes. and may all the ends of the earth fear him! who grieved by the Cross of her Son, Watch over my baby and allow him/her to be born under the best of circumstances. R. Amen. You thank him today for the gift of your child: may he bring you and your child one day to a share in the unending joys of heaven. R. Amen. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. 37. 272 Or, after the invitation, "Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing," or something similar is said, he says, with hands outstretched: May God, the source of all life, protect you by his goodness. 278 As circumstances suggest, a priest or deacon may use the following short blessing formulary. | May Christ fill your heart with his holy joy| and keep you and your baby safe from harm. the nations on the earth you guide. 237 But the blessing after childbirth provided here is intended only for a mother who was unable to take part in the celebration of her child's baptism; therefore it is celebrated only for an individual mother. It is finally here, and you've done a great job. R. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; Your children like olive plants around your table. 216 The blessing may be celebrated at any time during the pregnancy. Blessings Blessing Of A Woman Before The Birth Of A Child V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. Fill my heart with the assurance that you are full of steadfast love for me. has heard the cries of parents. Prayer for a pregnant mother Dear God, May you watch my sleep as I carry this baby.
