One thing that I have learned in my journey into motherhood is the profound impact that women have on each other. To bring joy, ease suffering, and help in times of need. We also have the opportunity to lift one another up in prayer and offer support.
In terms of medicalizing birth, I feel we’ve lost touch with different aspects of it. In many ways we’ve forgotten how to support the mother in ways she needs it the most. I’ve been very blessed with some wonderful women in my life and they throw what’s commonly known as a blessingway. It’s a night where women come together for a night filled with support, love, encouragement, and prayer for the expectant mother. As well, it’s a night filled with wonderful food and many times activities like henna painting, foot soaks, and making labor bracelets for the mother are included.
Since I can’t fly down to see Amy, I thought I would throw her a Virtual Blessingway in order to send her my prayers as well as verses I’ve found that are wonderful to meditate on prior to labor.
Lord, we come together today to support and encourage Amy during her final days of pregnancy. We pray for the health of this little baby, let Amy’s body continue to nourish him/her.
We pray that Amy and her husband are blessed with patience as they eagerly await the birth of their baby. Lord, you are the only one who opens the womb and we know that it will happen in your appointed time.
We pray for a safe birthing place with skilled attendants who can provide sensitive, compassionate, and personalized care. We pray for unity among the birthing team – let them make all decisions together.
Like the Hebrew women in Exodus, let Amy be lively and vigorous in labor allowing the labor to progress well and not become prolonged. We understand that labor is just that. It’s hard work. But with you, it does not have to be painful. We pray that the cycle of fear = pain is broken, that Amy can rest in your love – trusting you.
We pray for safe passage of the baby, that it may come easily and unhindered, with no distress. That Amy is able to push easily and effectively. Direct this precious little one, allowing him/her to be in the correct position for birthing. Guide this little one out of the mother’s womb and into her loving arms.
We pray that the umbilical cord is in the right position and not come ahead of the baby. That the placenta is well up and away from the cervix. That the waters break at the right time.
We pray that the baby will be alert and lively, that the bonding time between mother and baby be a blessing within your presence.
We also pray for the breastfeeding relationship, that it begins soon after birth, be easily established, without soreness or infection.
We pray for sufficient rest for Amy after the birth to allow for full recovery with no postpartum depression.
We pray that the birth of this baby glorifies you and is a blessing to everyone present. Let there be an atmosphere of peace and worship and allow them to feel your presence.
Give Amy strength during her time of hard work. She can do everything through you who gives her strength. We pray for courage and protection. For wisdom for all who are present at the birth. Allow Amy, her husband, and all attendants, to be blessed with a clear mind and prayerfully make all decisions.
Above all Lord, we pray that thy will be done and that Amy finds comfort and rest within you as a precious new life is brought into this world.
In the name of Jesus – let it be so.
Verses for strength:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Ps. 121:1-2
Do you have any wise words, prayer, or verses to share? Please leave them in the comments for Amy!
Donielle Baker
what a beautiful prayer! and a reminder how much control we have over our situations in life… 🙂
I love blessingways. We had folks send virtual blessings to us to print on vellum and hang from trees with ribbon in the space the IRL blessingway was taking place when I was pregnant.
Tomorrow we are going to a blessingway for my doula where the young family is asking for offerings of three beads to make necklaces for the mother, father, and baby while the blessings are read.
Blessingways are a beautiful tradition.
For Amy… I wish you the confidence and intuition that you have to be fully present during your joyous birth. I wish those properties stay present during your motherhood journey. Let them carry you past sleepless nights and help in your expression of unconditional love and patience. You are a mother.
What a beautiful blessing. All I can say is just to remember to turn all over to god He will worry for you and will do things in his time and his way . God is always the way . May God bless you.
Amen! I pray Amy is blessed with the focus she needs to accomplish a quick delivery. Remember to enjoy every single moment, for they are fleeting. I cannot wait to see this beautiful blessing!
Donielle ~ all of your words were so beautiful. We are all so blessed to be a part of such an amazing time in an amazing woman’s life!
I know that I don’t know you, but I am praying for your baby this morning. My husband and I just endured a miscarriage last month, and I know now more than ever what a blessing a child is. I am so very thankful for 2 healthy babies that I get to cherish and hold as long as the Lord allows, and for 1 precious baby that I will meet in Heaven. I am praying today that you have a happy, peaceful and beautiful delivery to a healthy baby. I am praying that God will meet you in that hospital room in a new and powerful way. I am praying that this child and your entire family will be blessed. I am praying that your sweet baby will know the Lord from an early age and that your entire family will grow closer and closer to Jesus each and every day. May God lavish His love upon you in these last few weeks, and may He fill your heart to overflowing with His joy and peace. Abundant Blessings!
@Regina Murphy, I don’t know you but I am praying for you right now. Reading your comment, I felt my heart overflow with empathy for you. Four years ago, our little blessing went to be in the arms of Jesus. I wrote about it here so I know how hard it can be. May the Lord continue to lavish His love upon you and draw you closer to Him through it all.
This is so neat… such a beautiful blessing for your friend. Praying for you, Amy!
Blessings to you, Amy, as you prepare for your new little one. I pray that our Lord’s peace would surround you and your husband, as you labor. May God’s strength be evident through your birthing, and He works out this miracle.
Rejoicing with you,
Michele 🙂
I’m just catching up on some things in my reader and saw this. What an incredible prayer to have prayed on your behalf; your words were beautiful. I’m so glad that her little one arrived safe and sound.