Prayer for Babies (in utero, miscarried, or died in infancy) and Their Parents.

("To the Unknown Land," Edmund Blair Leighton)

It hit me this morning (for varied and personal reasons). This prayer came about as a result, and I will be leading our church in this prayer this Sunday evening. I hope you might find it beneficial.

LORD God, to whom even the darkness is not dark; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. Who formed our inward parts; knitted us together in our mother's womb. We praise you, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; our soul knows it very well (Psalm 139.12-14). We remember those of our children and grandchildren who are still being formed by your skillful hands in their mother’s wombs… Smile on their gestation, and may they each come forth always trusting in you and your goodness. But we also remember before you those who never saw the light of day, as well as those who quickly passed away…Thank you for the little moment their mamas and daddies had with them. Thank you for the brief kick or movement in their mother’s womb. We believe your Son when he said the kingdom of heaven is heavily populated with brephas, with pre-born and new born children. Give soothing stillness and healthful wholeness to their mothers and fathers. O Lord, hear our prayer.