This morning prayer is written for an expectant mother who wants to bring the day ahead to God before the first demands arrive. Pray it when you wake, while still lying down or sitting on the edge of the bed, or over a cup of tea before the house comes alive. You can read it aloud exactly as written, or use it as a starting point and speak in your own words.
Morning Prayer for an Expectant Mother
Father, I wake up carrying two lives today, and I am grateful for every ache and flutter that reminds me of that. Thank you for the child growing within me and for the trust you have placed in me as a mother. Some mornings I feel strong and hopeful, and other mornings fear whispers that something could go wrong. Quiet those whispers, Lord, and let me hear your steady voice instead.
Be with me in the ordinary tasks ahead: the drive to work, the meeting I have been dreading, the groceries I need to buy, the older children who need breakfast and lunchboxes packed. Give me patience when my body feels tired or uncomfortable, and help me rest when rest is needed without guilt. Guard my sleep tonight and every night until this baby arrives. Keep my doctor, my midwife, and the nurses in your care, and give me wisdom to ask the questions I need to ask.
Thank you that you already know how this pregnancy will unfold and that you are not surprised by anything. Hold the baby close, Lord, and make my heart ready to receive whatever today brings. I give you this day, one hour at a time. Amen.
A Shorter Version to Pray in a Moment
Lord, thank you for this child and for another morning to hold them. I am nervous about the appointments and the unknowns ahead, so I hand them to you now. Go before me into this day, steady my breathing, and remind me that I am not carrying any of it alone. Amen.
Scriptures to Pray Alongside
Psalm 139:13-14
13 For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.
(WEB)
Read this slowly as you think about the baby growing within you. Thank God that he knit this child together with care, and let the words shape your gratitude before the day begins.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
When morning worries crowd in about tests, costs, or labor, bring each one to God in prayer. Ask him to give the peace that stays steady even when your thoughts do not.
Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might. 30 Even the youths faint and get weary, and the young men utterly fall; 31 But those who wait for the LORD will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.
(WEB)
Pray this when your energy feels low and the day looks long. Ask the Lord to renew your strength for each task, one step at a time.
Psalm 121:2-3
2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber.
(WEB)
Use these verses to ask for protection over your body and your baby as you move through the day. Trust that the one who watches over Israel is also watching over you.
Romans 8:26-27
26 In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can’t be uttered. 27 He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.
(WEB)
Some mornings you will not have the words to pray. Take comfort that the Spirit helps in weakness and prays on your behalf, even when all you can offer is a sigh.
How to Pray This Prayer
Many women find it helpful to pray this prayer in the first few minutes after the alarm goes off, before reaching for a phone. Keep a small notebook or a note on your nightstand with the words written out so you can read them without turning on a light. Resting one hand on your belly while you pray can make the prayer feel more personal and anchor your attention to the child you are asking God to protect.
If you have a partner, a close friend, or a mother who has been through pregnancy, ask them to pray this prayer with you or for you on mornings when you feel overwhelmed. Sharing a prayer with someone who knows your situation can lighten the load and remind you that others are standing with you in faith.
A Blessing to Close
May the Lord go before this mother into every hour of her day and keep her heart calm and her body strong. May he keep the child growing within her safe and well, and may she feel his nearness in every quiet moment. The Lord bless her and keep her, and give her peace as the day unfolds.
