Prayer Upon Discovering You’re Pregnant

In all the dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 373)

Let us pray that all may choose life.

Prayer Upon Discovering You’re Pregnant

“In the sixth month,
the angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed
to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.”
(Lk 1:26-27)

Dear Lord, how can this be?—
New life inside of me?
This wasn’t in my plans,
and I have too many questions,
too many doubts.

Why me? Why now?
Will I be good enough?
Can I handle this?
What if something happens?
Am I ready at all?

Calm my doubts,
and ease my fears, Lord.
Help me believe that
you are with me in every moment,
especially when I feel alone.
Let me not be afraid of the plans
you have prepared for me
and to walk this new path with peace.

Bless this baby,
your creation and my child.
Protect it from harm as it grows.
Bless too all who will help me along the way.
Give us enough love, patience,
hope, and joy to share with one another.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
let me be brave like you
that I may respond to this invitation as you did—
filled with grace, blessed with favor,
and courageous enough to say,
“May it be done to me
according to your word.”
Amen.

Copyright © 2009, Diana Macalintal. Originally published in Today's Parish Minister.