A Mother's Poem

In the quiet moments of the day,
I reflect on you and am filled with praise.
Hidden away from human eyes,
You're a miracle of God's design.

Expectantly I pray for you.
You're in my thoughts and in all I do.
What will you look like? What will you be?
What will you accomplish by age two or three?

You're like the morning, fresh and new,
Just as the roses kissed with dew.
I long for the day we're face to face,
Cradling you in my warm embrace.

My mother's heart is fully aware
Of all I'd like to teach and share.
I am immersed in joy and love
At God's blessed gift sent from above.

I pledge to parent with God's way in mind
And leave a legacy of faith behind.
My life, in turn, will be blessed, too,
Through the life that God has given you!

- Jennifer J. Weiss

Birthing Pains as Good

"My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you ..." - Galatians 4:19

Dear God,
Thank You for forming Christ in my life. I know that my walk has been a process and will continue to be until the day I come to spend eternity with You. I thank You that You are birthing new things in me daily, especially the opportunity to be a mother. As I grow in expectancy, prepare the heart of my son/daughter to receive You.  Cultivate a spirit that is teachable and workable. As I watch my child grow physically, spiritually, and emotionally, help me labor in love for him/her. Let me be encouraged to intercede in prayer for my children and stand in the gap when needed. Birth new things in my child each day, Lord. Help me not to focus on the birthing pains associated with spiritual and physical growth, but allow me to accept that such processes bring forth good. I ask for this strength in Your name, amen.

For Adoptive Families

"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship." - Galatians 4:4 - 5

Father,
You have initiated adoption. You love us as if we were Your own, making us Your own, though we have on our own drifted far from You. You love us unconditionally and give to us a love for You. You are our Father. You have bonded with us, and You give us the gift of loving and bonding with You. I ask that this same miraculous love would flow between adoptive parents and their children. Give mothers and fathers an unexplainable bond. Give the children, many of them wounded by deep rejection, a supernatural capacity to receive love. Bond them close. Create family ties where those ties seem impossible. God, for those families seeking now to adopt, give them courage to persevere. For those governments that make adoption difficult, break through and ease the process. With millions of orphans in the world, release a wave of new adoptions. Create and expand many families, and with Your own parents’ heart, give a new capacity to give and receive love. In Your Son's name I pray, amen.

You are our Banner!

"We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests." - Psalm 20:5

God,
Thank You for being Jehovah Nissi, the Lord my Banner. You have gone before me in the process of bringing this little one into the world. May I always remember the confidence that I can have in You. May I always wave Your banner high and bring glory to You. God, I also pray that You will watch over me as I deliver. Help all to go smoothly without complications. Give us guidance and direction as our new addition is born. Let this discipline of praying for our child continue throughout his/her life. Amen.

Time for Prayer and Reflection

"Then Jesus went with His disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.'" - Matthew 26:36

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the refreshment and strength You have given me so far during this pregnancy. I praise You for seeing me through to its completion. As the time draws near for me to deliver, I ask that You provide times for me to withdraw from my busy schedule for prayer and reflection. Prepare my heart for the task ahead. Strengthen my mind,  body, and spirit. Help me to focus on the purpose of this journey - to bring a fresh little soul into the world. Amen.

Strength and Endurance

"I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13

Lord,
I ask for the resolve to do all things through You. You are my source of strength, and I depend completely on You. I know that placing my thoughts and cares on You will lessen my burden and create a better environment for my baby to grow. So, I ask that, in the days ahead, You lead me to a place of physical, emotion, and spiritual rest. Give me the endurance that only You have as I approach labor and delivery. I ask this in Your name, amen.

Overflowing with Hope

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13

Father,
I know that pregnancy, labor, and delivery can be a time of extreme joy, especially when a mother puts her trust in You. Today, I ask for Your joy and peace to flood every inch of me. Rejuvenate my spirit, and refresh me with hope in You. Let others see Your glory radiating from Your Spirit inside of me. Amen.

Finishing this task with a heart for You

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." - Colossians 3:23

Father,
Thank You for this task You have given me. Although my pregnancy will not last too much longer, I want to commit to approaching it with gladness, boldness, and fervor. I ask that You help me finish this season of life in a hearty way, appreciating the miracle that You are perfecting inside of me each day. Grant me grace and diligence as I do this. Lord, help me to set goals, manage chores, consider my health as a high priority, prepare my home, and plan for the future of my child. Let this child be blessed in part because the way I am doing my job as an expectant mother. In Your name, amen.

Reverence for God

"Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord." - Psalm 34:1

Father,
Thank You for Your love that is extended to us and through us. We know that we are the first window our child will look through to learn who You are and how to serve You. We ask that You begin to work in hearts and minds to cultivate Your Spirit. When our child is born, give us creative and simple ways to share Your truths, Word, and character. Help us grow in our areas of weakness so that we can effectively teach our children what it means to fear You. Amen.

Appreciating Nature and Creation

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." - Genesis 1:1

Creator God,
Your design is so evident in this season. I am in awe when I look at the mountains, sunsets, and changing colors around me. Today, I ask that you remind me to take time out of my busy schedule to reflect on You and Your creation. Help me to develop an appreciation for Your world and to pass it on to my child. Let me instruct him/her to respect Your creation and to care for it. Show me ways to teach aesthetics in a godly manner. Thank You, Lord, for the evidence in nature that points us to You. Amen.

Children as Messengers

"The Lord came down and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'" - 1 Samuel 3:10

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the example of Eli and Samuel, showing us that we should always look and listen for Your voice, even in the youngest of children. As a parent, Lord, use me to encourage this child in times when You are speaking to him/her. Let me not look down on him/her, but realize that You can illuminate his/her mind to understand things that I do not. Holy Spirit, guide me with discernment and wisdom in this area. In Your name, amen.

A Heart for the World

"He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" - Mark 16:15

Dear God,
Thank You for the gifts You have placed in me and my child. It brings me great joy to use these gifts for Your glory! Today, I ask that You help me bloom where I am planted. I know that You have divinely positioned me where You want me to be. Lord, help me to use my words, giving, prayers, time, and talents to reach the people that I have audience with. I also ask that You rise up my child to impact his/her social circles for You. Let his/her seeds fall on good soil, so that they may grow and reflect You. Let my child a heart for the world. Protect him/her from the temptation to focus only on the immediate circle of people around him/her. Wherever You lead my child, let my heart have rest in knowing that Your plans are being accomplished in his/her life. All honor, power, and glory to You! Amen.

Week 31 and Proverbs 31, Part 3

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." - Proverbs 31:25

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the wisdom, insight, and inspiration You have provided throughout the book of Proverbs. I pray that I would resemble the "wife of noble character" in Proverbs 31. I know that a close walk with You brings such nobility, so I ask that You draw me closer and closer to You in the coming days. Wrap me in strength and dignity. Let Your reflection shine through me during this pregnancy. Help me to trust in You and not fear the days ahead. Instead, let joy, laughter, and peace flood my soul in this hour. Thank You for the confidence I can have in You. Amen.

Man's Gifts vs. God's Gifts

"Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord." - Proverbs 19:14

Dear Lord,
Thank You for placing me right where You want me to be in life. It is so awesome to experience the things that You have ordained for me from the beginning. I ask today that You guard my heart from focusing on the worldly gifts that we could try to provide for our children. If it is in Your will to bless us with certain financial opportunities, let us recognize it and be good stewards. However, let my main focus be on providing a solid spiritual foundation for my family. I ask specifically that You help me to be prudent. Holy Spirit, fill me with discipline and sound judgment. Help me to be creative and frugal in the use of resources You have given us. Show me how to use my talents to the best of my ability. Allow these characteristics to be a blessing to my husband, children, and extended family. Amen.

Week 31 and Proverbs 31, Part 2

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'" - Proverbs 31:28-29

Dear God,
While my worth comes soley from You, the mere thought of a blessing from my child thrills me beyond measure. I hope that one day I will be able to see the fruits of the prayers and laboring of love that I have already sown into my little one. I want to stand as a mother that is praised by her children and husband for teaching, instructing, correcting, and persuading her children in the things of the Lord. I know that it takes consistency to see such fruit. So, I ask that You show how me how I can accomplish this each day. Help me to be diligent in the task ahead of me. Amen.

Week 31 and Proverbs 31

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." - Proverbs 31:27

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for watching over the affairs of my day. You see me when I rise and when I lie down. Your arms are there to hold me when it seems like I can't get anything done. Today, I ask that You help me commit each day to You. Order my days, Lord, in the way that You would have them go. Help me to achieve the goals that I must accomplish. Give me the wisdom, endurance, strength, and diligence needed to manage my household. Provide me with assistance when I need it, and help me to accept it. When I feel overwhelmed, I ask that You quiet my spirit. Show me when and how to rest. Revitalize me in the ways that only You can. Thank You, God, for blessing and caring about my household. Amen.

Introducing our child to Him

"Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' When He had placed His hands on them, he went on from there." - Matthew 19:13 - 14

Dear God,
Thank You for taking the time to extend Your hands and pray for Your children. Today, I ask that You give me a child-like faith - one that allows me to guide my child toward You. Help me to present You in a way that will be easily understood and accepted. Let living with You in our lives be a daily process. Let Your name be talked about and expressed openly and freely throughout our home. Help us, God, to make leading our child to know You a priority in our day. We ask this in Your name, amen.

Designed and Known by You

"And the very hairs on your head are numbered." - Matthew 10:30

Lord,
Thank You for designing my child. I am so excited to hold my baby for the very first time and see what he/she looks like. I know that You care so much about my child, from the details of his/her features to the larger details of his/her life. You are continually watching over my little one as he/she grows. That assurance brings me great comfort and peace. Thank You, Father, for loving us so much and knowing us so intimately. Amen.

In the Potter's Hands

"Yet, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, and You are the potter. We are all the work of Your hand." - Isaiah 64:8

Dear God,
I can't express my wonder and praise for the masterful work You are doing within me! You are always at work on Your creation. As You mold my child, You continue to mold me. I ask that you mend the areas that are broken and in need of repair today. Create in me something new. Make me into the vessel that You desire. Fashion this little one just as You would have him/her to be. Thank You for Your constant involvement in our lives. Amen.

Treasures Reflect the Heart

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be." - Luke 12:34

Father,
I thank You for the treasure that I have in my relationship with You and for the other blessings You have provided in my life. Today, I ask that You help me be an example to my child in the area of priorities. Let my priorities line up with Your will. When adjustments are needed, illuminate them. Help me to reorganize my treasures, even if it means putting fun, work, money, and others to the side. I want my heart to be fixed on You and Your will in my life. In Your name, amen.

Ears as the Discerner of Words

"Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?" - Job 12:11

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for the discernment that only You can provide. Today, I ask that You filter my speech and testing of words. Help me know what to say to my child and how to interpret his or her thoughts and feelings. I want my child to feel like he/she is being listened to and that his/her opinion is valued. Only through genuinely listening and discerning can I develop the type of relationship I desire with my child. Guide my mouth and ears as I begin to practice my communication with others today. Amen.

Use of Words

"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged." - Colossians 3:21

Dear God,
Thank You for Your Word that continually leads us in the paths of righteousness. I am always convicted by Your wisdom about words and how we use them. Today, I pray that You would set guards over our mouths and minds. Help Adam and I use our words to build up our child, not tear him/her down. Specifically, I pray that You would help us not to be overly harsh in punishment or too critical of our child's behavior. Let our expectations of him/her be appropriate; let us be consistent with our words and actions; and let us praise them enough for jobs well done. When we do fail to allow You to guide our speech and we embitter our child, let us be quick to recognize and seek forgiveness. In situations where others use words to hurt our child, help us to cultivate a heart of forgiveness and restoration in our child. Lord, keep our child's heart pure and encouraged by You and Your teachings. Amen.

Children and Leaders in the Church

"I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord." - Psalm 122:1

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the support that we find in the community that we worship with. Fellowship with other Christians is vital to growth and edification, and we are so glad that You've placed us in a community where that can happen. Today, I pray that our church environment would be a positive place for the spiritual upbringing of our child. I ask for You to bless and guide those who will help nurture and rear our baby. Allow their gifts to be used in a way that best fosters growth in the children of our congregation. Also Lord, show me what level of involvement You would like me to have in our church's youth programs. Continue to guide me into the roles that You would have me serve. Amen.

Imitating Jesus

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children." - Ephesians 5:1

God,
I praise You today for leaving me an example that I can follow. As a child sometimes imitates his/her parents, help me to be an imitator of You. Holy Spirit, examine my heart and guide me to remove any words or actions that don't reflect You. Let me be a good example that my child can follow after. Raise us both up in Your image. Continue to reveal Your character to me on a daily basis so that I may relay that character to my child. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

Pleasing God, not man

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man." - Psalm 118:3

Father,
I am so thankful that Your opinion is the only one that really matters throughout life. It is much better to please You than to please men. When we live life with You in mind, it becomes much easier to walk in righteousness. I pray that You will help me as this baby's parent to live this truth as an example and to speak it openly so that it might take root in his/her heart. In Jesus' name, amen.

Beauty of the Heart

"Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the marvel that is happening within me. Let me see myself through Your eyes. Let me at no time regard myself with a harsh eye in relation to my physical appearance. I pray that You will guide me in teaching my child this same concept. Help me show him/her that purity of the heart is what truly matters. Protect him/her from the trap of vain thinking and over-emphasis on outward appearance. Let his/her confidence be in You, not in he way he/she looks. Help this child to appreciate others for how You made them and to look at others the way that You do. Amen.

Being Content

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake You.'" - Hebrews 13:5

Dear God,
I acknowledge that all money comes from You. You are the One who gives us the ability to earn, and we are responsible to You for our finances. Your Word says that we are to be content with what we have. Today, I ask for a spirit of contentment (in me and in this child). Help me to provide our child with a healthy view of money and its purpose. Let us be examples of how to give, save, and spend. May our child be generous at all times, looking to You for provision and not his/her own efforts or accomplishments. In Your name, amen.

Bad Company

"Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." - 1 Corinthians 15:33

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for setting a standard for man to live by in Your Word. Help Adam and I to live acceptably in Your sight and to pass that example down to our child. Let us clearly see the good character traits that need to be built up and encouraged in this child. We want to play an active role in leading this child into life-affirming, not destructive, relationships. Give us boldness to stand when we need to stand and the strength to to endure when we need to endure. I pray that we would not allow any circumstance to infringe on the safety or godly upbringing that You desire for this child. Give us words to say and the ability to articulate what we feel and expect when it comes to our child or others. Show us how to promote healthy relationships and to be aware of his/her environments. In Your Son's name, amen.

Teaching Our Child to Pray

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask in prayer." - Matthew 21:22

Father,
I am thankful that You invite Your children to have open commuication with You. Consistent dialogue with You is so vital to the development and maintenance of our relationship with You. Today, I ask that You instruct me in leading our child on a path of consistent prayer. Help me model this relationship and be a part of opening that line of communication. Let this child's prayer life begin at an early age and continue throughout his/her life. Let him/her come to You at all times about all things - in times of need and in times of joy. Give him/her eyes to see Your work in response to our prayers, and let those experiences help him/her build faith and trust in You. Work through this child as a prayer warrior. Help him/her come to the knowledge of what praying for others truly means and how it benefis the Body of Christ. Amen.

Confidence in Him

"For the Lord will be your confidence" - Proverbs 3:26a

Dear God,
At times when I doubt or struggle and feel like I'm unable to handle this job you've called me to do, assure me that You are my confidence. There is nothing that You do not understand or know about me, my baby, or the future. Help me rest in You today and know that all things are in Your hands, moving according to Your plan. I want to be confident in You and in this wonderful experience You are giving me. Help this little one within me to know that You are his/her confidence in life, as well. Thank You for being the anchor and rock of my soul. Amen.

Testifying to what He has done

"I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen ..." - John 3:11

Dear God,
Thank You for the testimony that You are forming in me. I pray that my entire pregnancy, birth, and motherhood process bring You glory and allow me to share with others what You have done in my life. Others have ministered to me, and I know it's just a matter of time before I am asked to share what I have experienced. Lord, guide me in these divine encounters with others. Let Your praises be on my tongue! Help me to be a light to all of those around me. Amen.

A Good Name

"A good name is more desirable that great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." - Proverbs 22:1

Father,
We know that there are many people who seem to be popular and to have all the things that they need in this world. Unfortunately, many of them lack character that reflects You. We ask that You supply us with the things that we need to help our child obtain character traits that bring Your Kindgom glory. Only You know what this child will become and what desiny You have for him/her to fulfill. I pray that You will supply a good name for him/her and that it will bring blessing to him/her all the days of his/her life. In Your Name, amen!

Rejoicing in Rest

"Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds." - Psalm 149:5

Dear God,
Thank You for all that You have done and all that You're doing within me. I want to rejoice and sing of Your goodness, even when I'm at rest. Please continue to let the bed that You've provided for me be a place of sanctuary from the world, a place that I can meet You in praise and prayer. I ask that You fill me with encouraging and godly thoughts, songs, and dreams at night. As I continue to work through the end of this pregnancy, allow me to be nourished through sufficient rest and to feel refreshed each  morning. Thank You for using these opportunities for me to learn more about You, Your character, and Your ways. Amen!

Reading God's Word

"I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You." - Psalm 191:11

Lord,
Thank You for providing us with a blueprint to live by. I ask that You plant in me the desire to read to my child from Your Word on a regular basis. I want him/her to know who You are, what You've done, what You will do, and how to have a personal relationship with You. As we read the Scriptures together, let Your Word come alive to us. Speak to us through it, and let it become a vital part of our walk with You. Amen.

Potential Spouse

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." - Genesis 2:24-25

Lord,
Today, I thank You for three years of wonderful marriage with Adam. You have given us an awesome opportunity to become sanctified through our relationship with one another and now through the process of raising a child. I pray that if our child's future involves this type of opportunity that You will raise up that special someone in his/her life in Your time. I ask that you would allow his/her spouse to come from a Christian home and that he/she would love You with all of his/her heart, soul, mind, and strength. I pray that you would help Adam and I to provide our child with a loving legacy of a long, lasting, committed marriage. Make our household a place in which love and affection flow freely. Let us show our child what dating relationships should be like and what to look for in a spouse. Give our child patience and endurance to wait on Your perfect will. Protect them as they seek to remain pure at heart throughout this process. Amen.

Daily Tasks and Work

"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men." - Proverbs 22:29

Heavenly Father,
I pray that my son/daughter will excel in whatever work he/she does and that he/she will do it with all of his/her might. Let good habits develop early in life that will set the standard for a strong work ethic. Help us and other mentors to provide him/her with school work, chores, and other day-to-day tasks that require focus, dedication, and diligence. May whatever my child does, whether a big or small task, be done in a manner that will bring glory to You. Let him/her seek You for direction concerning any task, realizing that the strength and opportunities to work are given by You. Lastly, allow my child to find some way to minister through the job that he/she will have. In Your name, amen.

Uses in Youth

"Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years." - 2 Kings 22:1

Father,
Thank You for watching over my little one as he/she grows and develops in my womb. Only You know what he/she will be called to do in life. Today, I ask that You help me in teaching him/her in Your Word and Your ways, so that he/she will be prepared to do the work You have called him/her to do. Help me encourage him/her in his/her areas of strength, and to support his/her boldness to do Your will. Let this child be a light to those around him/her. Even at an early age, use him/her to witness to family and friends. Again, Thank You for the calling You have already put on his/her life and for the skills that You are already weaving together for him/her to be able to pursue the tasks ahead of him/her. Amen.

Taking Root

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." - Psalm 1:3

Dear God,
Thank You for the living water You provide. You are my life source. Help me remember this, especially during the dry spells of life. During those times, allow my already-formed roots to grow even deeper to receive the life-giving water that only You can give. I also ask that You give Adam and I direction in the cultivation of our child. Let us purposefully plant him/her in Your soil, close to the waters You provide. Holy Spirit, help us to educate our child in a godly fashion, so that he/she may yield fruit in season and not wither. Let our child's profession of faith be strong and consistent. Let his/her roots allow him/her to see the work that God has given him/her to do, the power he/she has been given to perform it, and the places and opportunities that have been provided for doing those things. Lastly, God, I ask that our child's roots continue to grow deeper and deeper throughout his/her life. May he/she (with the help of the Holy Spirit) grow stronger in the grace that he/she has already recieved, increase in heavenly desires, and produce much fruit that glorifies You. In Your name, amen!

Quieting My Soul

"But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me." - Psalm 131:2

God,
When life is full of things to do, You desire and allow me to rest in You. This week, I thank You for that and ask that You provide frequent opportunities for me to do so. Ease my mind in the upcoming weeks. Help me to pursue the discipline of resting in You now and after my pregnancy. Like the weaned child in Psalm 131, let me continuously return to Your bosom, realizing that You were the original One who nourished me. Amen.

Wisdom for Building

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." - Proverbs 14:1

Lord,
I know that it takes years of intentional, Christ-centered devotion to build a home. On the other hand, I know that a home can be destroyed by the enemy in a matter of minutes. I ask that You give me the strength and wisdom needed to build a house full of trust, faithfulness, security, self-esteem, and loyalty. I pray against idleness, laziness, pridefulness, covetousness, anger, lack of self-control, doubt, and bitterness. Help me to nuture and protect my family from these things so that they have a place to seek shelter when the storms of life come. I praise You today for being the Master Builder. You craft us so articulately with such skill. Guide me as I try to do the same. Help me to build up, not tear down. In Your name, amen!

Family of God

"I will receive you, I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." - 2 Corithians 6:17-18

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the privilege of being called Your daughter. I praise You that You didn't create us in a subservient way, but as a family. We are heirs to Your righteousness and partakers of all that You have made and ordained. I pray that my son/daughter will be called Your child as well, and that he/she will come to know You at and early age. Help him/her to grow in the knowledge and joy that he/she is part of Your family. Amen.

Rest and Rejuvenation

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." - Psalm 4:8

Lord,
I pray that You would bless me with deep, restful sleep from this point forward in my pregnancy. No matter what is going on in my life or in the world around me, help me to reach a place of perfect peace when it is time for me to rest. Relax and rejuvenate me so that I can be healthy home for this baby. Provide me with ways that will allow me to be comfortable and to go to sleep quickly. When I wake in the middle of the night, help me to return to sleep quickly. I ask these things in Your name, amen.

Entertainment

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. BUt everything exposed by the light becomes visible. This is why it is said: 'Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'" - Ephesians 5:11-14

Dear God,
I thank You for Your Holy Spirit, that provides me with guidance and discernment at all times. Today, I ask that You show me truth and give me wisdom when it comes to entertainment. Help me know what criteria certain forms of entertainment must meet before I allow it in my home. Make me aware of the truths and untruths that are presented on television shows, movies, games, and the internet or in books, magazines, and music. Let me not be passive about what is going into the mind and heart of my little one. Help Adam and I guard our own hearts as well, so that we can be a good example to our child. Amen.

Discipline

"Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:9-11

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the correction You provide in the lives of Your children. You guide us and protect us, teaching us about the true life we can have in You as we learn and grow. Help Adam and I to do the same, providing the necessary guidelines that our child needs to develop properly. I specifically pray that You would supply us with the boldness we will need to be firm in leading our child. Help us to be consistent, not waivering in opinion or sending confusing messages. Let Your will be accomplished in this area so that our child will become the person You intended for him/her to be. Strengthen his/her character. In Your name, amen.

Spiritual Fathers

"Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." - Titus 2:6-8


Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the men that will be involved in my baby's life. I pray that You design each relationship with a purpose and significance. I ask that You secure a special bond between this baby and his/her father. Give Adam vision for what our family is to be like. Help him to be a man of self-control, integrity, seriousness, and sound speech. Draw both of us closer to You and closer to each other in order to raise this child in unity. Thank You for giving us a plan and design for families. Amen.

Spiritual Mothers

"Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God." - Titus 2:4-5

Lord,

I thank You for the things women and children can teach one another at all different ages of life. What a wonderful cycle! Today, I pray that You would find ways for me to be involved in mentor-type relationships, whether I am the mentor or am being mentored. No matter the gender of  my baby, I ask that You give me a heart that will instruct purity, kindness, self-control, a submissive spirit, hard-work in the home, and love for You and Your Word. As my child grows older, give him/her mentors and friends that would cultivate a strong relationship with You. Allow my child, in turn, to be a blessing to others. In Your name, amen.

Ultrasound

"But in fact, God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be." - 1 Corinthians 12:18

Four Chambers of Heart

Femur

Blood Flow

Spine and Heart

A Nice Kick For Mommy!

GENDER is a SURPRISE!

Praise for Your work

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." - Genesis 1:27


God,
Thank You for this baby you are creating. I am so appreciative for the opportunity you gave us to see this child through ultrasound this past week. Your work is so amazing! I pray that You would protect this baby and raise him/her up to be the man or woman that You desire him/her to be. While the enemy would like to strip men and women of their affiliations with their gender, I pray that You would develop a strong sense of godly gender identity in this baby. We praise You for everything You are doing in our lives right now! Amen.

Happy Baby!

3-D Photo

Purity

"But there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people." - Ephesians 5:3

God,
Thank You for giving us direction so that we can fully enjoy life. We know that You only want what is best for us. Lord, help our child to understand that these are our intentions as well. In a culture where purity is almost obsolete, let us be living examples of purity in mind, heart, and deed. Show us where he/she may be receiving messages that are contrary to Your desires, and help us to intervene when it is according to Your will. If he/she falls short in this area, help us to be agents of restoration in his/her life. We ask for wisdom and knowledge in teaching our child about purity and other life-giving character traits. Guide us, Lord. Amen.

Work Ethic

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat.'" - 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Dear God,
Thank You for the knowledge, strength, and giftings You have given me. Because of You, I am able to work and accomplish life goals that are important to our family. As I raise this child, I pray that You will help me display a strong work ethic in everything that I do. I pray that our child will be diligent and rewarded for a job well done. Show me, even as he/she is little, what things he/she can do that would encourage him/her to complete a task. Help me to build upon these tasks little by little so that he/she can reap a harvest of helpfulness, consistency, dependability, and diligence. Keeping a healthy balance, however, let our child not find his/her identity in work, but his/her purpose and rest in You. Amen.

Praise to Him

"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise." - Psalm 8:2

Dear Lord,
I praise You today for everything You are to me and for everything You have given me. You have blessed me spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I thank You for this little baby growing inside of me. I pray that praise would flow from my mouth continually, not only to You, but to everyone around me. Let it radiate into my family, friend groups, career, finances, and community. When I give praise to my child, let it bring life and blessing to him/her. In turn, let this little one understand that praise is something that people of any age can do. Let him/her praise You all of his/her days. Amen.

Giving

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Luke 6:38

Lord,
Thank You for this principle and precept that we know to be true. I ask today for a heart that will give freely out of love for You and others. Help me to start by giving in my home, where our child can learn by example. I know that it is important to You and to the Kingdom that I give my time, attention, and energy to my family and to others that you call me to serve. Give me the strength and patience to do so, and let our child learn that our purpose in giving is to bring glory to You, the Provider of these things. Amen.

Integrity and Honesty

"May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in You." - Psalm 25:21

Dear God,
I pray that my son/daugther will rise up to the principles set forth in Your Word. I know that these virtues are impossible for anyone to fully accomplish without Your Spirit living in them. May my child walk close to You, know Your ways, and strive to please You in everything that he/she does. Help honesty and integrity be bound to his/her heart. When there is temptation, let him/her feel warned and Your presence be known. May others who know my child not question his/her integrity, but know him/her by the fruit that he/she bares. Let honesty and integrity flow into every area of his/her life, and let others see Christ radiating through him/her. Amen!

Training Our Child In Him

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Father,
We realize that parenting is an ongoing process with an ultimate goal in mind. We want to instill in our child a lifetime of dedication to You and a stable Christian walk that will be maintained into adulthood and throughout generations to come. We dedicate all of our efforts to You and ask that you grant us the wisdom, knowledge, and strength we will need to raise this child up in You. Give us the tools we will need when we will need them. Let us not grow weary, but remain steadfast and consistent in our service to You. We ask that You be in charge of our child's life journey. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Amen.

Living as an Act of Worship

"Therefore, I urge you, brother, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." - Romans 12:1

Savior,
I thank You today for shedding Your blood on the cross for me and the sins of my baby, who does not yet comprehend his/her need for You. Nonetheless, the price has already been paid by You for his/her salvation. Lord, I want my life be holy and pleasing to You - a spiritual act of worship that represents my gratitude for the price You paid. Holy Spirit, live in me. Help me be a glowing example to my child and to raise him/her in a way that would attract him/her to You. May he/she worship You with his/her life as well. In Jesus' name, amen.

Blessings for Other Expectant Familes

"When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" - Luke 1:41-42

Heavenly Father,
You continuously amaze me with the wonders of pregnancy. Thank You for all of the blessings You have given me thus far. I ask for similar blessings for my friends and family members that are also expecting. I know that You have a special plan for all of our children, and I pray for Your will to be done in all of their lives. It fuels my joy to know that others are experiencing the work of Your hands, as well. Help us to encourage one another and share in each other's lives and prayers. In Your name, amen.

Authority to Triumph

"I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." - Luke 10:19

Lord,
We praise You today for the way that you have been working in our home to prepare for this baby. We know that no matter what we face, now or in the future, You have given us power over the enemy. We can stand firmly on Your Word and give all of our struggles to You. As Your children, we rejoice that our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life and that we will continue to be empowered through Your Spirit. We love You! Amen.

Glowing in Him

"Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." - Psalm 34:5

Lord,
Thank You for the love and peace that You have placed inside me. I know that my countenance will show how I am feeling, and I want the world to know that I am Yours and that there is something different about my "pregnancy glow". Help me be conscious of the fact that my face is a window to my heart. As I spend time with You, fill me up with Your glory so that it will shine to others. I love you! Amen.

Powerful and Effective Prayers

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." - James 5:16

God,
Thank You for Your master plan! Even when I don't know what to pray for my family, I know that when I come to You, Your Spirit will pray through me and You will work and move on my behalf. No matter what obstacles or difficulties I face, I am confident that if I remain in You, there is hope. I believe that as I act in obedience to pray, You will turn those prays effective. Help me to incorporate this discipline of prayer into my daily life and into the life of our child. Thank You for the power of prayer. Amen.

Obedience in the Lord

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." - Ephesians 6:1

Father,
Thank You for Your call to obedience in Your children. Let that obedience begin in us. Help us to listen to Your prompting when it comes to teaching our child how to obey. Direct us with Your Spirit. When he/she disobeys, show us how to teach and correct him/her effectively in a gentle and loving way. Help us teach our child about the fruitfulness of obedience, and let him/her experience it. We pray that he/she will be obedient to You and Your Word. Give us all strength to make wise choices daily. Amen.

Balanced Home

"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife." - Proverbs 17:1

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the place that we call home. I pray that our home would be one of order, discipline, renewal, and peace. If there is anything out of order, whether spiritual, physical, or emotional, please guide us to restoration in that area. Help this home to be one of comfort for our family. We commit this place to You and ask for Your presence to be here. Thank You for reigning in our hearts and home! In Jesus' name, amen.

Value in Christ

"What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight." - Luke 16:15

Heavenly Father,
I praise You for being the giver of all things. Thank You for the material possessions and blessings that You've allowed us to enjoy. I ask, however, that they do not become the focus of our family. Bring our family a revelation in the area of "success". Let us focus on being successful in Your eyes. Help us have a healthy balance in our home concerning wealth and material things. Let our child learn that his or her value is not in dolars and cents, but is in You. You alone are our only source of hope, and we place our confidence completely in You. Amen. 

Knit Together by You

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." - Psalm 139:13

Father,
As I sit and meditate on the wonder of You, I am in awe. I can hardly fathom the flawless process that You set in order at creation. Babies are Your design, Your workmanship. My baby is growing and forming each intricate part of his or her makeup because of Your plan. I know he or she is fearfully and wonderfully made. I pray that this pregnancy would proceed normally, without complications. Help me not to fear and to recognize that we are in the Creator's hands. Give me a sense of peace and contenment. Let me know that You are in control of this whole process. Amen.

All for the Glory of God

"Therefore, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" - 1 Corinthians 10:31

God,
Thank You for the chance to bring a child into this world. Help me to be responsible for the way that I nourish my body and the baby that You have given me. Give me a desire to eat healthy foods, drink lots of water, take my vitamins, exercise, and get plenty of rest. Guide me away from foods and activities that could harm either of us. Let me do all things throughout the day for Your glory. Amen.

Community

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the wonderful people in our lives who encourage and challenge us. We ask that you continue to surround us with strong Chrisitan family and friends who pray for our family and build up our spirits. Help us to not be caught up in pride and to lean on others when we need to. Strengthen us to ask for help when necessary. Refresh us in the times that we meet with family and friends. Thank you again, Lord, for the community that you provide. Amen!

Fashioned by You

"Your hands made and formed me; give me understanding to learn Your commands." - Psalm 119:73

My God,
I praise Your marvelous works! I can't even begin to imagine all of the intricacies of the development of this baby, but You know and see all. I know that You are attentively watching this baby form and already know him/her by name. I ask that you plant within this child an ability to understand the things of You. Write your commands on his/her heart so that he/she may follow You all of his/her days. My heart rejoices in You! Amen.

Build our Spiritual House

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain." - Psalm 127:1

Lord,
You are the architect of our lives and our family. Your design is flawless and will stand the tests of this life. We invite you to be our engineer and general contractor, as well. Give us a solid foundation, and build up our lives in You. Let Your truths radiate through us to our children. Help us to rely not on our own efforts, but solely on You. Amen.

Clean Spiritual House

"You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me; but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments." - Exodus 20:5

Father,
You know all of the weaknesses in our family. You know in what areas we are continually drawn to sin. Lord, we repent for our household. We know the blood of Jesus covers all and that His work is complete through the cross. We pray that You redeem anything in this family that the enemy would like to claim as his. Seal, strengthen, and rebuild what he has already tarnished. Protect us. Do not let the enemy have a foothold. Search every nook and cranny in our spiritual house. Clean every closet. Remove anything that would hinder Your Spirit from moving in us. Thank You for restoration and redemption. Let this baby grow up in the confidence and knowledge that our foundation is sure and firm in You. Amen.

Prioritizing my day with You

"In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You in expectation." - Psalm 5:3


Dear Lord,

Thank You for the gift of allowing us to have a personal and intimate relationship with You through prayer. Among all of my comings and goings, I ask that You help me find time to have intimacy with You, the Creator of my child and me. Help me prioritize my life in a way that is pleasing to You. My entire day is Yours, and I pray that it would unfold as You have created it to. In Jesus' name, Amen!

Mentors

"Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" - Job 12:12
"These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and children." - Titus 2:4

Father,
Thank You for the examples of motherhood You've provided and continue to provide for me. Help me honor and respect the women in my life for the jobs they have done raising children. Allow my eyes and ears to see and hear the advice You may be sending me through others. Let me receive it as You intended. When ungodly advice is given, let Your Spirit fill me with graciousness and humility. Help me to respond in a kind and respectful fashion. Surround me with mentors that You have selected, and protect me from those whose advice is worldly and unhelpful. In Jesus' name, amen.

Spiritual Heritage

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." - 1 Timothy 1:5

God,
Thank You for the spiritual heritages that Adam and I have been given through our families. I ask that You help us continue to seek out sound teaching and opportunities to exhibit our strong faith. Guard our hearts and doctrine closely. Help us reflect these things to our child and to pass on this strong heritage to the next generation of our family. Give our child a strong sense of his/her position in Your Kingdom. May he/she live a holy life and understand the lasting consequences of immorality. Enable us to see Your saving grace grow in this family year after year. Amen.

Forty Weeks of Spiritual Journey

"And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights." - Genesis 7:12
"The Israelites had moved about the desert for forty years." - Joshua 5:6
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry." - Matthew 4:1-2

Lord,
What a wonder that You selected a gestation period of forty weeks! Let me learn from the stories in the Bible in which your followers perservered for a specific length of time to receive a newness that You promised.  During the trying times of my journey, give me strength, endurance, an open heart to learn, and open ears to hear Your voice. Give me the patience I need to wait for the promise that You are giving me through parenthood. Prepare me as the pregnancy progresses. Let me cling to You for direction and diligence. Thank You for allowing me to walk this spiritual journey with You. Amen.


*For more about the number forty in the Bible, visit http://www.40day.com/40_in_the_bible.html.

Samson and Manoah

"So Manoah asked him, 'When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?'" - Judges 13:12

Lord,
Thank You for the story of Samson's conception and birth. I ask that you will rise up fervency in us like that of Manoah and his wife. Let us be in unity concerning the spiritual raising of this child, and let our will line up with Yours. I pray that we will be godly parents and will teach this baby by example. Help us to live righteous lives through You, demonstrating salt and light in our home and to all those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen!

Thank You for Fathers

Proverbs 1:1-9

Heavenly Father,
I thank You for Adam. I am continuously impressed by the giftings he has and his ability to lead our household. I ask that You bless him abundantly. Continue to draw him closer and closer to You. Prepare him for his new role as a father. Help me to encourage and strengthen his faith along the way. I also pray for any other men that will have spiritual impacts on my husband and future child. Use them to build up Adam/baby's character and to strengthen their beliefs. Amen.

Dedication to the Lord

"From birth I was cast upon You; from my mother's womb You have been my God." - Psalms 22:10

Lord,
Just as Hannah dedicated Samuel, we dedicate this child's life to You. We realize that we are earthly parents and that this child is truly Yours. You have entrusted this baby to us to instill Your Word in his/her heart and to instruct him/her in the fear and admonition of You. Surround us with the necessary people and tools to do so. Remind us that the spiritual raising of this child should be our top priority in parenting. Amen.

Signs and Symptoms

"And the Lord worked with them and confirmed His Word by the signs that accompanied it." - Mark 16:20

God,
I honor the fact that You are working to make all things according to Your perfect plan, and I thank You that where Your Word is confirmed that there will be signs to follow. Let me rest in Your peace, knowing that whatever signs or symptoms I might experience are ordained by You. Protect me from worry, doubt, and fear. Help me to discern when I truly need to seek help. I give this area of my life to You. Amen.

Maintaining Good Health

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you." - 3 John 2

God,
I praise You for keeping me in Your hands throughout this pregnancy. I pray that where there is illness or complication, You will heal. Please keep my child safe and healthy. Help me maintain a lifestyle that will promote vitality and growth. Remind me of the importance of the decisions I make about food and exercise. Amen.

Praying for Baby

"But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Phillipians 4:6

Lord,
Thank You for the ability You give us to have a personal relationship with You through prayer. I know that my family is of high priority to You. Help us reciprocate Your love and dedication to us. Instill in  us a deep desire and direction of how to pray for our child. Place a commitment and determination in us that the enemy can't shake or undermine. Let us not become dependent on ourselves, but remind us of the hope that only You can give. Amen.

Recording Our Journey

"At the Lord's command, Moses recorded the stages of their journey." - Numbers 33:2

Dear Father,
I praise You for the chance that You have given me to be a mother. I pray that You would provide opportunities each day for me to contemplate Your miracle that's within me. I ask for the diligence to keep a written record of the things that I think, feel, and learn during pregnancy so that I (and others with me on this journey) may be able to look back and reflect on what You have done. Holy Spirit, guide me through this process. Open my eyes to how You want to use my family to bring glory to Your kingdom. Thank you for the hope that we have in You through Jesus! Amen.