A Prayer for an Expecting Mother and the Child in the Womb

God who knit this child together in the secret place (Psalm 139:13) and knew them before they were formed (Jeremiah 1:5) — be the midwife of their coming. When John leaped in Elizabeth's womb at the sound of Mary's voice (Luke 1:41), you had already begun your good work in him. Do the same in this small hidden heart. Sustain this mother through the tiredness she does not talk about; give her Mary's song even when her own world is being turned upside down (Luke 1:46–55). For every fear that comes with waiting for a first cry, remind us — you are the God who fashions bones in a womb we cannot see into (Ecclesiastes 11:5). Bring this child safely into the world, and bring the world safely to this child. Through Jesus, who was once a Child himself, Amen.