Prayers for Life Throughout the Year
PRAYER FOR A MARRIED COUPLE
Lord God and Creator,
we bless and praise your name.
In the beginning you made man and woman,
so that they might enter a communion of life and love.
You likewise blessed the union of N. and N.
so that they might reflect the union
of Christ and his Church:
Look with kindness on them today.
Amid the joys and struggles of their life
you have preserved the union between them;
Renew their marriage covenant,
increase your love in them,
and strengthen their bond of peace,
so that surrounded by their children
they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
BLESSING OF PARENTS BEFORE THE BIRTH OF THEIR CHILD
Gracious Father,
your Word, spoken in love,
created the human family and,
in the fullness of time,
your Son, conceived in love,
restored it to your friendship.
Hear the prayers of N. and N.,
who await the birth of their child.
Calm their fears when they are anxious.
Watch over and support these parents
and bring their child into this world
safely and in good health,
so that as members of your family
they may praise you and glorify you
through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
now and forever. Amen.