For the gift of children

Lord of life,
you shape us in your image,
and by your gracious gift
the human family is increased.
Grant to N and N the blessing of children.
Fill them with wisdom and love
as they care for their family,
so that they and their children
may know and love you;
through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

For a new baby

God our creator,
we thank you for the gift of this child,
entrusted to our care.
May we be patient and understanding,
ready to guide and to forgive,
so that through our love
he/she may come to know your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. 

When a pregnancy is difficult

Loving, tender God,
you know our sorrow and our joy,
be close to us as we walk this unknown path.
Send your light to lead us.
Comfort us when we are afraid,
so that, whatever we face,
we will know your strong arms supporting us.
Amen.

For a fragile new baby

Gentle God, giver of life,
you know each of us by name
and you love all that you have made.
Thank you for [name], our wonderful, tiny baby.
Come close to us, and to all who care for her.
Protect her in the treatment she faces,
and support us as we tend her fragile body.
Help us to know you near us, night and day.
Amen.

Adopting a child

Loving Father,
who through a Spirit of adoption
has made us his children and fellow-heirs with Christ,
grant that N, whom N and N now bring into their family,
may come to know their love,
and find in the fullness of their common life,
the joy and the glory
of Jesus Christ our risen Lord.
Amen.

A prayer for children

Loving God,
your Son told his disciples
to become like little children.
Lead us to work for the welfare
and protection of all young people.
May we respect their dignity
that they may flourish in life,
following the example of the same
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

A prayer for family life

God of compassion,
whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary,
shared the life of a home in Nazareth,
and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself:
strengthen us in our daily living
that in joy and in sorrow
we may know the power of your presence
to bind together and to heal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.