R. 268 All then sing or recite the Canticle of Mary, or a hymn of thanksgiving may be sung. 222 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture. The Christian community has already welcomed with joy the child you have borne and in the celebration of (his/her) baptism has prayed that you will fully recognize the gift you have received and the responsibility entrusted to you in the Church and that, like Mary, you will proclaim the greatness of the Lord. On the fortieth day the child is brought to the Temple to be churched, that is, to begin attending church. They can include blessed objects and places, such as holy water, shrines, and religious medals (for example, those of your patron saints). R. And let not the son of evil draw near to harm her. Fill my heart with your perfect peace and protect me and my baby from harm. For N. and N., who know the pain of grief, that they may be comforted, Note: If not possible, seat the mother-to-be at the head of a circle. The ceremony is held to prepare an expectant mother for her upcoming birth journeyto shower mom-to-be with love, support and encouragement. 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. Traditionally, the newborn infant was also surrounded with words and objects of holiness, from the moment of birth. Come Holy Spirit Prayer O Jehovah, my God, look upon me with grace and mercy. It is brought by the mother, who has already been cleansed and washed, accompanied by the intended sponsor at the Baptism. Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord: as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord.". May Christ fill your heart with His holy joy and keep you and your baby safe from harm. Prayer for Gods Guidance - Father in Heaven, You made me Your child and . Labor Prayer Sovereign Lord, soothe me with your calming grace in this time of labor. R/. Amen. 216 The blessing may be celebrated at any time during the pregnancy. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. A woman who is nourished, nurtured and given lots of . Sleep must come easy to those who are unborn, as the Maker so silently V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. This is especially true when a child dies before birth. May God have pity on us and bless us; May her child be preserved for the holy regeneration of baptism, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! 267 A prayer of thanksgiving is then said. 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. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.". Surrounded by God Prayer Lord of Unfailing Love, help me when I feel afraid. in their profession of the true faith, Prayer can be a powerful tool during labor and delivery. May I be everything to them that they need to have a full and complete journey. R. All make the Sign of the Cross. 257 The blessing of a mother after childbirth is contained in the Rite of Baptism for Children (see endnote 12). 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. Compassionate God, 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. Related: What Black mothers-to-be need to know before giving birth. The minister introduces it and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the invocations. (Let us bless the Lord:) R. Assisting minister: You took life from Mary and willed that the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you would be called blessed. 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. Light our way together. Revive My Soul Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you that your word is living and active, powerful and effective. the God of all consolation. Then he blesses all present. all that I hope for from the LORD. But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness. Amen. in the face of despair there is hope, R. Amen. Replace my fear with trust in your plans and purposes. R. Her hope, O my God, is in You. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. "Birth takes a woman's deepest fears about herself and show her that she is stronger than them." - Unknown "What good mothers and fathers instinctively feel like doing for their babies is usually best after all." - Benjamin Spock New Mom Quotes Funny The following quotes are as funny as they are true. What is the minimum requirement for a person to become a cardinal. in the unity of the Holy Spirit, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 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. May we always feel the presence of God in our lives and may we be blessed. 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. R. Who has made heaven and earth. who grieved by the Cross of her Son, In the following or similar words, the leader prepares those present for the blessing. May those surrounding you during birth guide you through what's coming. May I demonstrate your love to my child. Abortion doula at Notre Dame speaker series adds to Catholic concern, Does ChatGPT get Catholics? Luke 1:39-45 -- The baby leapt in my womb for joy. 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 your peace overflow in my life. "Birth is an opportunity to transcend. Getty If you or someone you know is about to welcome a little one into a family here are some prayers and wishes. The blessingway is often segmented into several ceremonies that have been adapted from the traditional Navajo's sacred fertility rites. V. Send help to her, O Lord, from Your holy place. For all who are waiting for a birth of a child, may they be given patience and strength. Let us pray. R. Amen. We ask that this your handmaid (insert name), and comfort them with the hope 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. May I find the comfort and the endurance I need in your name. Seat 6 close friends or relatives around the mother-to-be. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Hear the prayers of N. and N., who await the birth of their child. world without end. May it be Your will, O great, mighty and awesome G-d, that the merits of this poor woman who is trembling and crying out in her pains of childbirth, be remembered before You. I have forgotten what happiness is; Here are some ideas of Mother Blessing readings: May you be blessed with an easy transition from mother of one to mother of two. 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. Bless this child. Luke 2:1-14--She gave birth to her firstborn son. R. In the face of the enemy. Standing together with the mother, child and sponsor before the doors of the nave of the church, the Priest says: We fly to you for protection, holy Mother of God. may ever be strengthened against all evils, 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 And may almighty God bless you all, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. You know me better than anyone else and you know my needs. Amen. She never existed before. O God, author and sustainer of human life, from your goodness your servant N. has received the joy of becoming a mother. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. May your daughter be filled with your peace and blessing so that she may bring her child into this world Your home is brightened now with the presence of your sweet girl! R. Let us praise and exalt Him forever. 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. Childbirth Prayer Compassionate and Gracious God, I thank you for the wonder of children and the gift of new life. Prayer for a pregnant mother Dear God, May you watch my sleep as I carry this baby. Blessing Of A Children, Several. 263 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture. From the following those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other invocations that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed. The word of the Lord. 5 Things to Do Before Prayers For Labor and Delivery. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Powerful Presence Prayer God of Love, thank you for the life and grace that you alone can give. Help me put my trust in you, knowing you are faithful to fulfill all your promises. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. May I experience the reality of that joy. Copyright 19XX, International Committee on English in the Liturgy. Blessing Of A Christmas Tree # 1. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. When only the mother is present, the Order for the Blessing of a Mother before Childbirth, nos. As I progress through labor and delivery, pour out your strength into my mind and body. R. Blessed are you, 0 Lord, for your loving kindness. May you surround us with favor and love as with a shield. Assisting minister: You were born of a woman, so that we might become God's adopted children. 256 and 278. The leader begins: Let us praise the Father of mercies, Strengthen Me Prayer O Lord, Mighty in Power, thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus who gives us everything we need. May I feel peace and security in your arms as I give birth. Bless me with the strength I need right now and ensure a safe and smooth labor process. Please let this child bring joy and pride to me and my family. Luke 1:26-38 -- You shall conceive and bear a son. V. Be to her, O Lord, a tower of strength. May God bless us, Blessed be God for ever. May sunshine and moonbeams dance over your head As you quietly slumber in your bed. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Luke 2:1-14--She gave birth to her firstborn son. Order for the Blessing of Parents Before Childbirth | USCCB Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. May Christ, who became one of us in the womb of the Virgin Mary, be with you all. Verse Concepts. You are the God who has promised to increase the power of the weak. V. Let us bless the Father, and the Son with the Holy Spirit. Lift Me Up Prayer Mighty God, as I persevere through the pain of childbirth, remind me that your love endures throughout all generations. May the nations be glad and exult R/. O God, our every blessing comes from you and you welcome the simple prayers of those who bless your name. And may almighty God bless us all, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore raise our voices to praise him, saying: R. Blessed are you, 0 Lord, for your loving kindness. R. Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. 216 The blessing may be celebrated at any time during the pregnancy. You alone are kind and loving. May I glorify you throughout this process. R. And let my cry reach up to You. 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. May good luck be with you wherever you go. "A mother continues to labor long after the baby is . I tell myself my future is lost, She's so much more than a vessel to bring a baby into this world. The ceremony includes thanksgiving for the woman's survival of childbirth, and is performed even when the child is stillborn, or has died unbaptized. Psalm 33 Happy the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. R. Amen. Like the Hebrew women, I will give birth stress-free. 255 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the following prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the mother; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Give skill and wisdom to the doctors, nurses, and staff that will be taking care of me today. The blessingway is often segmented into several ceremonies that have been adapted from the traditional Navajo's sacred fertility rites. 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. Blessed be God for ever. Father, turn the labor room into a favorite room. It is appropriate that they receive God's blessing together as they wait in faith and hope for the birth of their child. (3) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the minister should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the place and the mother involved. 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 for ever. My portion is the LORD, says my soul; "We have a secret in our culture, and it's not that birth is painful. Listen to our prayers and help us in our needs. Protect my child and me through this time. May Your will be done, Lord. The blessing for the girls asks the Lord to make them righteous women of God, just like the matriarchs of the Bible: Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. 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. forever and ever. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.