Prayer as Childbirth Approaches
Seek God’s strength and care as childbirth approaches.
Historical edition. Historical claims and instructions are preserved as historical context.
Lord, God Almighty! Faithful and loving Father! The hour of travail conies nearer and nearer. Do Thou come near unto me with Thy help and grace. I draw nigh to Thee in prayer, with heartfelt trust, full confidence, and living faith in Thy gracious assistance. O draw nigh unto me in Thy goodness and mercy. Come to me, abide with me in my travail. If I have Thee with me, then I have the mightiest Deliverer, the most powerful Helper, the truest Friend. Give me a cheerful spirit, and enable me to be undismayed. Dispel all fear, and let the assurance that Thou art with me strengthen my soul. Strengthen my body also, that I may not grow faint, but may, by Thy power, perform and joyfully complete my labor. Thy power will make all things easy for me. Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe.
Grant also wisdom and understanding to those who attend upon me, that they may properly order everything, and may not make any mistakes in dealing with me. Bless their efforts, so that they, together with me, may magnify Thee for Thy goodness. Grant me grace to follow all good advice, and thus avoid the responsibility of harming myself or my child. O gracious God, hear my prayer and that of all those who surround me. If it be Thy will, let my labor be short and end happily. Let me joyfully behold my child alive, and become a happy mother. Behold, Lord, here am I. Do with me as seemeth good in Thy sight. Leave me not, neither forsake me, Thou God of my salvation. Abide with me in the extremity of my trouble; strengthen my patience, that I may not grow weary, and my hope, that I may not grow discouraged. I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthened me. O heavenly Father, bless, keep, and preserve me. O Jesus, abide with me, strengthen and quicken me. O Holy Spirit, make intercession for me with groanings which cannot be uttered, and bear witness with my spirit that I am in truth a child of God. The love of the Father shield me; the grace of the Son quicken me; the fellowship of the Holy Ghost sustain me. Amen.