USCCB - Pro-Life Activities - Liturgical Prayers for Life

Liturgical Prayers for Life

The Church's liturgical books provide us with prayers, both ancient and new, for
victims of the culture of death and those who work for the Gospel of Life. Among
those prayers are:

Prayer of Blessing for a Married Couple (Book of Blessings [BOB] 103)

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.

Prayer for a Mother Before Childbirth (BOB 249)

Lord God,
Creator of the human race,
your Son, through the working of the Holy Spirit,
was born of a woman,
so that he might pay the age-old debt of sin
and save us by his redemption.

Receive with kindness the prayer of your servant
as she asks for the birth of a healthy child.
Grant that she may safely deliver a son or a daughter
to be numbered among your family,
to serve you in all things,
and to gain eternal life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary for an Expectant Mother (BOB 250)

We fly to you for protection,
Holy Mother of God.
Listen to our prayers
and help us in our needs.
Save us from every danger,
Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

Prayer of Blessing of Mothers on Mothers' Day (BOB 1728)

Loving God,
as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children,
as you watch over your Church.
Bless these women,
that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters,
May honor them always
with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer of Blessing of Fathers on Father's Day (BOB 1733)

God our Father,
in your wisdom and love you made all things.
Bless these men,
that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters,
May honor them always
with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Blessing Prayer for Those Who Are Sick(Pastoral Care of the Sick and Dying [PCSD
61A])

All praise and glory is yours, Lord our God,
for you have called us to serve you in love.
Bless N.,
so that he/she may bear this illness
In union with your Son's obedient suffering.
restore him/her to health,
and lead him/her to glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Blessing Prayer for An Elderly Person Who is Sick(PCSD 61B)

All praise and glory is yours, Lord our God,
for you have called us to serve you in love.
Bless all who have grown old in your service
and give N. strength and courage
to continue to follow Jesus your Son.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for a Sick Child(PCSD 69A)

God of love,
ever caring,
ever strong,
stand by us in our time of need.

Watch over your child N., who is sick,
look after him/her in every danger,
and grant him/her your healing and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer of Commendation for the Dying (PCSD 220C)

Welcome your servant, Lord, into the place of salvation which because of your mercy he/she
rightly hoped for.

Response: Lord, save your people.

Deliver your servant, Lord, from every distress. R.

Deliver your servant, Lord, as you delivered Noah from the flood. R.

Deliver your servant, Lord, as you delivered Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees. R.

Deliver your servant, Lord, as you delivered Job from his sufferings. R.

Deliver your servant, Lord, as you delivered Moses from the hand of the Pharaoh. R.

Deliver your servant, Lord, as you delivered Daniel from the den of lions. R.

Deliver your servant, Lord, as you delivered the three young men from the fiery furnace. R.

Deliver your servant, Lord, as you delivered Susanna from her false accusers. R.

Deliver your servant, Lord, as you delivered David from the attacks of Saul and Goliath. R.

Deliver your servant, Lord, as you delivered Peter and Paul from prison. R.

Deliver your servant, Lord, through Jesus our Savior, who suffered death for us and gave us eternal life. R.