All of us know of mothers, fathers, families, and children, both close to home and far away, who are struggling with the challenges of daily life or with more extreme forms of suffering and poverty. It can be difficult to witness and hear of the crosses these individuals bear. When we are unable to make a tangible difference, it is a challenge to not fall into hopelessness and despair.

When we cannot be there physically to give assistance, our prayers can make an enormous impact. 

Take a moment to pray for struggling mothers and children around the world, to lift them up to God the Father and ask that He might bless them in His infinite mercy. 

Here are seven quick prayers to get you started:

Prayer for Expectant Mothers

All loving God, you created the human family as a reflection of your own divine life so that your creation might share in your happiness. Hear our prayer for your daughter
who awaits the birth of her child. She has cooperated with you in giving life. Assist her now as she prepares to give birth to the child in her womb.

May Mary be her guide and support, calming her fears and strengthening her love.

May your daughter be filled with your peace and blessing, so that she may bring her child into this world safely and in good health to the praise and glory of your name. Amen.

(Source: Originally published here.)

Prayer for Pregnant Women

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

God of Infinite Goodness, watch over expectant mothers as they await the birth of their child. Grant these women confidence and strength to dispel their anxiety and fear. Bless them with the courage and faith of Mary, always listening to your will and trusting in your loving care. As they prepare to bring new life into the world, grace them with good health and great joy. We look to you and your Son, Jesus Christ, as a sign of mercy and joy. We ask this through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes in the name of your Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

(Source: Originally published here.)

Prayer to St. Gerard Mejella

O good St Gerard, powerful intercessor before God and wonder worker of our day, confidently I call upon you and seek your aid. On Earth you always fulfilled God's designs, help [all mothers] now to do the holy will of God. Implore the Master of Life, from whom all paternity proceeds, to render [them] fruitful in offspring, that [they] may raise up children to God in this life, and in the world to come, heirs to the Kingdom of His Glory. Amen.

(Source: Originally published here.)

Prayer for a Safe Delivery

O great Saint Gerard, beloved servant of Jesus Christ, perfect imitator of your meek and humble Savior, and devoted child of Mother of God, enkindle within my heart one spark of that heavenly fire of charity which glowed in your heart and made you an angel of love.

O glorious Saint Gerard, because when falsely accused of crime, you did bear, like your Divine Master, without murmur or complaint, the calumnies of wicked men, you have been raised up by God as the patron and protector of expectant mothers. Preserve [all mothers] from danger and from the excessive pains accompanying childbirth, and shield the child which [they] now carry, that it may see the light of day and receive the purifying and life-giving waters of baptism through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Source: Originally published here.)

Come Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Prayer to All the Angels and Saints

Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominations, Principalities, Powers, celestial Virtues, Cherubim and Seraphim; all Saints of God, holy men and women, and you especially, my patrons deign to plead for me that I may have grace to offer worthily this sacrifice to almighty God, to the praise and glory of His Name, for my own welfare also and that of all His holy Church. Amen.

Consecration of a Child to the Infant Jesus

O Infant Jesus, our beloved King, through the hands of Your loving Mother, I consecrate (name), my child to You. Place him/her under Your protection, save him/her from illness and all harmful influence.

Keep him/her pure and permit that he/she may grow, like You, in grace and virtue before God and men. Bless (name), Infant Jesus. Amen.

Thank you for your prayers. We know our Lord hears them and answers them in accordance with His holy will. If you are looking for more ways to give to expectant mothers, and their children and families — please consider supporting MercyWork's Bethany Center in rural Guatemala. 100% of every dollar of every donation goes straight to this important and life changing work. 

Thank you, and God bless you for your prayers and generosity! 

Another way to lift up these mothers and babies is to join our worldwide community in prayer. Sign up for our St. Philomena novena to get started!