Praying for your unborn child

Many women feel awkward about the thought of praying for (and with) their unborn child. This is quite normal, but feeling self-conscious about your prayers can still be difficult to overcome. It is all a matter of habit!

As a pregnant mother you will feel moments of joy at the thought of the child growing within your womb. Vocalise that joy and thank God for it. Prayers don’t have to be eloquent or long. “Thank you God” is a prayer! The most important step to take is to start expressing your happiness out loud. Include your child and God in your joy. It will establish a habit of prayer for you and bring your unborn child into your relationship with God.

Husbands/Partners – you can do the same thing.

Another way to pray for your unborn child is to make a time to sit down as a family each day to pray. If you already have children, get them to say a special prayer for the baby in Mummy's tummy - it will help them feel included in your pregnancy. You don’t need long - five minutes at the beginning or end of the day is plenty. Find a short prayer about creation or new life that means something to you and pray it together, deliberately ending with a short thank you to God for the child you are carrying.

For more information you may like to read:

• Praying for Your Unborn Child by Francis MacNutt.
  • MacNutt believes that the pre-natal period is crucial to later growth and that praying for your unborn child gives them love and security. The book covers prayers before conception, during pregnancy and at birth itself. There is a special chapter encouraging fathers and others reflecting on miscarriage and abortion.

• Tapestry of Voices by Michele Guinness.
  • This is a wonderful book that supports women through all stages of life. The section on pregnancy and childbirth has short testimonies and poems written by women about their experiences.

• Psalm 139
• Praying for your unborn child
• Alpha