Prayer of a Mother Awaiting the Birth of Her Child

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the gift of new life whose presence I feel within me. This gift makes me begin to look at people and at the world differently than before. It fills me with tenderness and deepens my praise for Your work of creation, which You continue through me. I am happy to be a woman and a mother, so I ask You, Lord Jesus, watch over this little one, whom You already see and know. I feel only my child's light, barely perceptible stirring. I dream of and imagine my child's face, the color of the eyes and hair. Let me not only dream, but help me also to come to know my child, so that I may accompany him or her from the first moments of conception.

Grant that the hardships of pregnancy and all my fears may not cloud my serenity, so that I may live this wonderful “adventure,” entrusting myself completely to the hands of Your Providence. May Mary, Your brave and tender Mother, be with me during my time of waiting, so that I may receive and accept this child, the gift of Your love, with the love with which she brought You into the world. Amen.