R. 268 All then sing or recite the Canticle of Mary, or a hymn of thanksgiving may be sung. 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. I come to you today to thank you for giving us this beautiful gift. Here are 7 prayers for pregnancy: A Prayer for the Gift of Life After all, God is the one who gave life to each of us before we were born ( Job 31:15, CEV). R. Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust. Amen. You have promised that all my needs will be supplied by you. Shine the light of your presence upon my family that we may follow your path. The introduction states: When a new mother has been unable to take part in the celebration of her childs baptism, it is fitting to have a special celebration in order to provide the opportunity for her to benefit from the blessing that in the rite of baptism prompts the mother and all present to thank God for the gift of the newborn child (No. 558 Blessing Before a Meal 558 Thanksgiving After a Meal 559 Some Aspirations. 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.". Before the blessing itself, the priest spoke of how Jesus Himself became human through the Blessed Mother's womb. The leader begins: Let us praise the Father of mercies, Liturgical Texts. Many had a problematic understanding of this rite. Strengthen my body when I feel weak and refresh my soul when I feel overwhelmed. When only the mother is present, the Order for the Blessing of a Mother before Childbirth, nos. Lead me in the path of knowledge with my child. Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. Bless their health, their heart and their soul. 253 The minister says: Our help is in the name of the Lord. May the Lord God almighty,| who through the earthly birth of his own Son| has filled the whole world with joy, so bless+ you| that the child he has given you| will always bring joy to your heart. May God have pity on us and bless us; because you rule the peoples in equity; A newborn babe brings light to the house warmth to the hearth and joy to the soul for wealth is family and family is wealth. 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. we pray to the Lord. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. 254 One of those present or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example: Isaiah 44:3 I will pour out water upon the thirsty ground, and streams upon the dry land; I will pour out my spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing upon your descendants. She never existed before. 105. 2. III. Save them, O almighty God The development of the rite of churching was not unproblematic, however. Never Alone Prayer Compassionate Lord, I thank you that as I give birth today, you are alongside me. Prayers on the Birth of a Baby Prayers Forever Young At Every Step Forever Young May God bless and keep you always May your wishes all come true May you always do for others And let others do for you May you build a ladder to the stars And climb on every rung May you stay forever young May you grow up to be righteous May you grow up to be true This teaching was not carried over into official Church teaching, but it was carried over unofficially by commentators and preachers trying to explain the rite. The Blessing of Expectant Mothers. We are to each other teacher and pupil, pupil and teacher. Those who labor thus are the dearest of the dear to The Divine Mother." The Divine Mother, Sri Daya Mata. 37. V. The Lord be with you. I'm so happy to hear that your little prince has arrived safely. Give skill and wisdom to the doctors, nurses, and staff that will be taking care of me today. And help me to do my best to guard and protect my baby for his/her lifetime. Where are Catholics allowed to eat corned beef on St. Patricks Day this Lent? 215 A husband and wife participate in God's love through the sacrament of marriage and cooperate in the gift of life through the conception of a child. "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.". Labor Prayer Sovereign Lord, soothe me with your calming grace in this time of labor. R. Her hope, O my God, is in You. 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. 236 The blessing before childbirth provided here may be celebrated for an individual mother, particularly in the company of her own family. In the days of old, when childbirth would take place in the home, selected holy verses and names were placed in the mother's room before she gave birth,as a protective measure. Psalm 139:13. Strengthen me to give birth. 241 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture. After the boy's father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: "Pardon, my lord! Scripture tells us that children are a blessing and heritage from the Lord to be praised as truly a gift from God. When only the mother is present, the Order for the Blessing of a Mother before Childbirth, nos. 276 One of those present or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example: 1 Samuel 1:27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. 271 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by facing the mother and saying: Almighty God has brought you the joy of motherhood: may he now bless + you. May my child know their identity and dignity as your child, as you lead them into the fullness of life. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. May I rely on your grace to help me raise this child. But then, a miracle happened. Assisting minister: Through the Virgin Mary, blessed among women, you have honored the female sex. Order for the Blessing of Parents after a Miscarriage This includes a Shorter Rite. At the hour of your delivery may he be attentive to your prayers and strengthen you with his grace. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.". May my child know your love and peace all the days of his/her life. You know me better than anyone else and you know my needs. May we find rest in your secure arms, let our hearts be filled with the joy of the Lord. Blessings Blessing Of A Woman Before The Birth Of A Child V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. Give me the strength I need to keep going. Receive this life you created in love One important way to prepare is by lifting up prayers to God. Blessings upon you my baby unborn. But I will call this to mind, Someone so precious to cherish and love. As Mary knew the pain and joy of motherhood, please sustain me through childbirth with your grace and love. New Life Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you love children and families. Restore My Strength Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, hear my cry to you as I deliver my child. Keep us protected and divinely guided in all matters and at all times. In conclusion Sleep must come easy to those who are unborn, as the Maker so silently My warm wishes to your little baby girl. Childbirth Prayer Compassionate and Gracious God, I thank you for the wonder of children and the gift of new life. The official rite was framed in simple terms of thanksgiving and blessing. It is finally here, and you've done a great job. Everyone else in concentric circles extending out. Hold my hand and lead me. The Power of Prayer for Mothers Praying is the best way that we can connect to God. We pray: R. Assisting minister: Christ our Lord, you give the example of Mary and Joseph to N. and N., that they may be loving parents. V. Let the enemy have no power against her. and the ardent desire of Your handmaid (insert name), #23: Congratulations on the arrival of your long-awaited blessing. "Birthing is the most profound initiation to spirituality a woman can have." - Robin Lim 3. The prayers indicate that this blessing is intended solely for the benefit of the mother, and hence it is not necessary that she should bring the child with her; nevertheless, in many places the pious and edifying custom prevails of specially dedicating the child to God. But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness. R. Her hope, O my God, is in You. R/. Give me patience and wisdom to do the right things and to do things rightly. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. R. Amen. A blessingway is all about nurturing and connecting heart to heart with the mother. As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. May those surrounding you during birth guide you through what's coming. so that as members of your family They may do so by singing or reciting the following antiphon, or other Marian prayers, for example, Loving Mother of the Redeemer (Alma Redemptoris Mater), Hail, Mary, or Hail, Holy Queen. In other families, both parents give blessings-either together and in unison, or first one parent, followed by the other. Strengthen Me Prayer O Lord, Mighty in Power, thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus who gives us everything we need. . I am at one with all creation; I sit in the spirit and the nearness of the God of my Being. It was only during my days of studying sacramental theology that I learned of the history that I have tried to explain here. Graciously accept our thanks and give ear to our prayers: defend this mother and child from every evil, be their companion along their pathway through life, and welcome them one day into the joys of your eternal home. When I feel overwhelmed, help me know you can carry me onwards. When only the mother is present, the Order for the Blessing of a Mother before Childbirth, nos. Getty If you or someone you know is about to welcome a little one into a family here are some prayers and wishes. Blessings Upon You. Compassionate God, May the peoples praise you, O God; M. Francis Mannion 3 min read Throughout Church history, mothers were very often not present for the baptism of their children for two reasons. In your mighty name, Amen. and to the Son, I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.". A mother's blessing is a spiritual yet sweet way to shower a mother-to-be with love and affection before the baby arrives. May I experience the reality of that joy. So may your way be known upon earth; who grieved by the Cross of her Son, After losing two babies, they had almost given up hope of becoming parents. May the nations be glad and exult 258). and comfort them with the hope therefore I will hope in him. R.Amen. Let me know that you are by my side during labor and delivery. Your home is brightened now with the presence of your sweet girl! the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mary, The Bible says that weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Blessing Of A Children, Several. and from Your handmaid (name) all the snares of the enemy. It is brought by the mother, who has already been cleansed and washed, accompanied by the intended sponsor at the Baptism. Assisting minister: For the new life that has begun in this family, let us thank the Lord, saying: Assisting minister: For the child that this mother has so happily received from your hands. R. And let my cry reach up to You. I can trust that you will bring me safely through this experience, rejoicing in your great gift of a child. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Listen to the words of the Book of Lamentations: My soul is deprived of peace, 264 Or: 1 Samuel 2:1-10--Prayer of Hannah. Austin, Texas - One family in Central Texas counts their blessings each time they hug their youngest child. May my child find true freedom in you. While you return thanks to God for the many favors He has bestowed upon you, at the same time fervently consecrate yourself and your offspring to His holy service. R/. You have chosen this day as the day my baby will be born. Endnotes: 12. 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. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. May my son/daughter grow up to follow You all the days of his/her life and guide me with wisdom as his/her mother from this first moment on. Let us have a glimpse at the best quotes on pregnancy and motherhood enlisted here: 1. descend upon you and your child, and remain always. O God, our every blessing comes from you and you welcome the simple prayers of those who bless your name. Please restore my strength as I feel weary. Once he was weaned, she brought him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the Lord in Shiloh. May the Holy Spirit indwell in our hearts and God reign in our lives. V. Give health to your handmaid. We pray: R. 227 After the litany the minister, in the following or similar words, invites all present to sing or say the Lord's Prayer. You also prepared, soothe the hearts of N. and N., and may all the ends of the earth fear him! May we all live under your blessing, praising and glorifying you forever. R. 225 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. The earth has yielded its fruits; Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. You are my fortress, Lord, you protect me from harm. V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. N. and N., as we mourn the death of your child, Let us pray. Luke 2:1-14--She gave birth to her firstborn son. Fill my heart with the assurance that you are full of steadfast love for me. May I understand that they have their journey and I have mine as a parent. we place ourselves in the hands of God God, the Lord of life, by his will brings every human being into existence and he rules and sustains the life of every one of us. Blessed Birth Prayer Abba, Father, pour out your blessings upon me as I give birth and show grace and mercy to my child. 219 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture. An amazing miracle of creation has occurred in my life: my child was born. May I be filled with joy as a new life enters the world. It is appropriate that they receive God's blessing together as they wait in faith and hope for the birth of their child. and bring her child to the light of day without harm. 263 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture. Please let this child bring joy and pride to me and my family. May Mary be her guide and support, calming her fears and strengthening her love. This is especially true when a child dies before birth. Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you." Psalm 113:9 Verse Concepts He makes the barren woman abide in the house As a joyful mother of children. After the boy's father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: "Pardon, my lord" As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the Lord. R/. May we feel you so close to us as we sense your amazing creativity at work. Soothe me with the certainty of your faithful love. May all the blessing of our Lord touch your life today. 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. R. Amen. When only the mother is present, the Order for the Blessing of a Mother before Childbirth, nos. May I feel your presence today in new and excellent ways. May this prince who will charm be safe from all harm. According to a very laudable custom, you have come to request the blessing of the Church upon yourself and the child that has been committed to your care. May you never want for more. It may also be celebrated for several mothers together, for example, in a hospital, and then the formularies are said in the plural wherever necessary. Let us pray to God, who throughout the ages The invocations may be said by an assisting minister or another person present. Any pregnant Catholic woman can request it. Visit, we beg of You, O Lord, This blessing is provided to assist the parents in their grief and console them with the blessing of God. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.". Soothe and protect me during this difficult time. May your word give me peace throughout this process. 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. Psalm 48:6 Verse Concepts Panic seized them there, Anguish, as of a woman in childbirth. I have forgotten what happiness is; (Let us bless the Lord:) R. Assisting minister: As you hung on the cross you made Mary, your own Mother, the Mother of the Church. Birth Prayer Everlasting Father, thank you that you are the author of life. Baptism took place in a matter of days rather than weeks after birth. and comfort your faithful people in their time of loss Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. I take hold of the promises in your word when you declare that you will never leave nor forsake me. As I progress through labor and delivery, pour out your strength into my mind and body. Here are some ideas of Mother Blessing readings: May you be blessed with an easy transition from mother of one to mother of two. Order of Blessing on the Occasion of a Birthday On the fortieth day the child is brought to the Temple to be churched, that is, to begin attending church. You alone are kind and loving. give hope to their hearts, Children are a gift from you, and you have led me down this joyous path to giving birth. 224 As circumstances suggest, the following responsorial psalm may be sung, or some other suitable song. May we be happy and full of joy as we spend our days. Brothers and sisters, let us bless the Lord Jesus, who in the womb of the Virgin Mary became one of us. God, please give my baby all that is required for a good way of life and for a good way of living. Easy to plan and organize, a mother's blessing celebrates the mother. in the midst of death there is life. And also with you. Blessing Of A Woman Before The Birth Of A Child, Blessing Of Herbs On The Feast Of The Assumption, Blessing Of A Child To Obtain For It The Mercy Of God. In this state of peace I know my true being. by the co-working of the Holy Spirit, Fill my heart with your perfect peace and protect me and my baby from harm. 260 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. 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. As I give birth to this child, remind me that you already know them. consolation in our grief, 240-252, is used. Miss. They can include blessed objects and places, such as holy water, shrines, and religious medals (for example, those of your patron saints). Praying for our mothers is just another way we can connect to God, and it can also help us feel more connected to our mother. Blessed be God for ever. may all the peoples praise you! 569 Blessing of an Advent Wreath 570 Blessing of a Christmas Crche or a Manger Scene 573 Blessing of a Christmas Tree 575 Blessing of a New Home 580 Blessing for a Place of Work 582 Blessing of Travelers (Shorter Rite) 583 Blessing of a Mother before Childbirth (Short Formulary) 583 Blessing of a Mother after Childbirth (Short Formulary) Let us therefore raise our voices to praise him. ABOUT THE BLESSING . May her child be preserved for the holy regeneration of baptism, Amen. Throughout Church history, mothers were very often not present for the baptism of their children for two reasons. X. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. V. The Lord be with you. We ask that this your handmaid (insert name), May He send His little angels to protect you on your way. Baptism took place in a matter of days rather than weeks after birth. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. It is appropriate that they receive God's blessing together as they wait in faith and hope for the birth of their child. Childbirth is a uniquely painful and difficult experience for humans. Calm their fears when they are anxious. Please give me the endurance I need to carry on. Please strengthen me as I give birth. (This journal has been updated from the original content, following on from the beautiful Mother's Blessing I received from the incredible Ann for my current pregnancy with the twins - Feb 2023) may ever be strengthened against all evils, May I glorify you throughout this process. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with my spirit. The blessingway is often segmented into several ceremonies that have been adapted from the traditional Navajo's sacred fertility rites. R. Amen. May the peoples praise you, O God; R. And watch over her from Mount Sion. May he deepen your faith, build up your hope, and constantly increase the gift of his love in you. Seat 6 close friends or relatives around the mother-to-be. (Then the woman is sprinkled with holy water, and after which Psalm 66 is said.). When only the mother is present, the Order for the Blessing of a Mother before Childbirth is used. Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke: 1:39-45 The baby leapt in my womb for joy. After the boy's father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said, "Pardon, my lord! Joyful Prayer O Lord my God, thank you that your grace is unending. May Christ, who became one of us in the womb of the Virgin Mary, be with you all. R. Let us praise and exalt Him forever. we pray to the Lord. 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.". V. Lord, hear my prayer. You are my comforter, Lord, please comfort me. 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. They will offer words of wisdom around preparing for birth and postpartum and often . You have granted to your servants, I ask that I would know your comforting presence. You filled John the BaptIst with the Holy Spirit, May the Son nourish your faith, build up your hope, and deepen in you the gift of his love. R. Blessed are you, 0 Lord, for your loving kindness. God is the giver of life. Thank you for the gift of new life. Advertisement. forever and ever. 238 The present order may be used by a priest, a deacon, or a lay minister. Before birth, the Church provides a special Order of Blessing of Parents Before Childbirth. Grant that this mother may live in reliance on your goodness and in thankfulness to you. Prayer for Friends and Family left at Home - O God, Protector of all people and . May you be changed in all the ways you hope to be changed. creator of all things, R/. It is appropriate that they receive God's blessing together as they wait in faith and hope for the birth of their child. Revive My Soul Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you that your word is living and active, powerful and effective. Whatever happens, I know that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Divine Love Prayer Most Holy God, thank you that I am never alone because your Holy Spirit dwells in me. Light our way together. Inspirational Quotes About Giving Birth 1. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. in their profession of the true faith, The second is that the time for the recovery of women after childbirth was, until recent times, a couple of weeks, so mothers were not physically able to be present. with your Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, Luke 1:26-38--You shall conceive and bear a son. Mom Gives Birth to 'Rare' Quintuplets 1 Boy and 4 Identical Girls: 'The Greatest Blessing' Shawn and Haylee Ladner five newborns, who arrived Feb. 24, are "faring well," according to her .