A friend who will soon board a bus with the Iowans for L.I.F.E group to participate in the annual March for Life was getting materials together for the long bus ride from Des Moines to Washington D.C. She came across her Gabriel Prayer Book and wanted to send a few prayers my way given I’m counting down the days until labor. I was comforted by the prayers and wanted to share them publicly.
For acceptance of the discomforts of pregnancy:
Lord Jesus Christ, your Mother, Mary, gave herself in order to bring you into a suffering world. Your own sacrifice proves that suffering can be made holy. In my womb is a sign of great hope. I joyfully accept my discomforts, Lord, for the sake of that hope. I offer them to the Father in your name. Amen. Mother Mary, pray for me. Amen.
During late pregnancy:
Dear Father in heaven, I love my baby, and I look forward to his/her happy birthday. Grant me peace of mind. Grant me the faith, hope, and endurance that belong to true love. I look forward with confidence. I trust in your divine help as I prepare to give birth to your new creation. Please listen to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as she prays for me to have a safe delivery and a healthy baby. Through Jesus Christ, Mary’s Baby born in Bethlehem. Amen.
[...] Prayers for Women Approaching Labor [...]