Courage as Birth Draws Near

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Loving Father, your Son received a mother's care in the arms of Mary. Receive the hopes, questions, and needs I bring to this prayer. Through the intercession of Our Lady of La Leche, draw near to those longing for a child, awaiting a birth, or caring for little ones. Help me trust your love and welcome the care of others, one day at a time. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

A woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn't remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world.

Jesus speaks of childbirth as an image of sorrow giving way to joy. His words need not make us hide fear or minimize a difficult birth. Today we pray for mothers and babies, and for everyone entrusted with their safety. We can prepare with hope while allowing plans to change when skilled care calls for another path.

God of compassion, protect mothers and babies during labor and delivery. Give midwives, nurses, and physicians clear judgment and attentive hearts. Strengthen companions to listen and advocate with love. Our Lady of La Leche, intercede for safe births, timely treatment, and courage when events unfold differently from what a family expected. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Mary, Mother of Jesus, carry these intentions to your Son. Remember every household waiting for news, every mother awake in the night, and every heart that finds this season difficult. Teach us to give and receive help without shame. May our prayer become patient listening, nourishing meals, gentle words, and faithful companionship. Our Lady of La Leche, pray for us as we place our families in God's loving care. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.