Blessing before Childbirth.

(Members of the family and the community gather around the mother-to-be who is seated before the altar. Invite the immediate family to stand close to her and also check if they have some holy oil or water which will be used to anoint her)

HYMN: We are gathering together OR I just keep trusting my Lord..

LEADER: In the name of the Father, and……

LEADER: May Christ, who became like us in the womb of the Virgin Mary be with you all…

R: And also with you

LEADER: God, the Lord of life, brings every human creature into being and rules and sustains the life of each one of us. He has particular care for those born of a Christian marriage, since through the sacrament of baptism they will receive the gift of divine life itself. (Names of Parents-to-be) are partners in God’s love and seek his blessings because they already cherish the child they have conceived and because they await the hour of their child’s birth in faith and hope.

LEADER: A reading from the Gospel according to Luke

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

The Gospel of the Lord…

LEADER: Christ the Lord, the blessed fruit of Mary’s womb, by the mystery of his incarnation filled the world with his grace and goodness. Let us therefore raise our voices to praise him saying: BLESSED ARE YOU, O LORD


  1. Christ Our Lord, you bless the love of husband and wife through the Sacrament of Marriage. We pray that you will continue to strengthen the love that (Name of Parents-to-be) have for each other. We pray…
  2. Christ Our Lord, you bless all life. We pray that the child in (Name of Mother-to-be)’s womb may be protected and kept safe from all harm. We pray…
  3. Christ Our Lord, we pray for unwanted and abandoned children. May they find solace and comfort in whatever means available to sustain their lives. We pray…
  4. May your blessed angels protect (Name of Mother-to-be) and the baby in her womb…We pray…

LEADER: Let us sum up our petitions with the Lords prayer… OUR FATHER

LEADER: Let us invoke the intercession of Mary, who brought Jesus into the world, for the needs of (Names of Parents-to-be)… HAIL MARY

LEADER: I request you now to raise your right hands over (Names of Parents-to-be) as we make this prayer…

Gracious Father, your word spoken in love, created the human family and in the fullness of time, your Son conceived in love restored it to your friendship.

Hear the prayers of (Names of Parents-to-be) who await the birth of their child. Calm their fears when they are anxious. Watch over and support these parents and bring their child, whether a son or a daughter, into this world safely and in good health, so that as members of your family they may praise you and glorify you through your Son Jesus who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, One God for ever and ever….Amen

HYMN: In his time OR Have thine own way, Lord