Prayer for Baby to sleep is the hardest thing parenting can do. The frustration of kids not sleeping is taking its toll on the family. In this prayer we offer a solution for mothers and fathers looking for a means of breaking their baby’s sleep pattern. We have compiled many hours of research in finding a solution to your sleepless nights on your hands. We have found that this prayer has been prayed over babies by its mother since generations, and every time it had been successful. Many parents used it themselves and it worked for them too! It was handed down from one generation to another, parents who knew the importance of bedtime ritual! It will be the best thing you’d ever do for yourself and for your baby please try it out, it would only take 5 minutes or so, but the results you’ll get would last you a lifetime.
Prayer For Baby To Sleep
Are you a parent struggling to get your baby to sleep through the night? Do you find yourself desperately searching for solutions to help your restless child find peaceful slumber? Look no further! We have compiled a list of powerful prayers specifically designed to bring comfort, protection, and a good night’s sleep to your little one.
Catholic Prayer For Baby To Sleep
For families of the Catholic faith, finding a prayer that aligns with their beliefs is important. The Catholic prayer for baby to sleep is a beautiful way to seek God’s blessing and guidance for your child’s restful sleep. This prayer embraces the teachings of the Church and invokes the intercession of saints. It goes as follows:
“Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for your loving presence to embrace and watch over my precious baby as they sleep. St. Joseph, the protector of the Holy Family, intercede for my child’s peaceful rest each night. May the angels surround their crib and fill their dreams with heavenly peace. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Prayer For A Restless Child
If your child is restless and has trouble settling down to sleep, it can be a challenging situation for both of you. We understand the frustration and exhaustion that comes with a restless child. That is why we offer you this heartfelt prayer to calm your little one and help them find serenity:
“Loving God, I come before you with a heavy heart, seeking your grace and mercy for my restless child. Lord, you know how much they struggle to find peace and rest. I ask for your gentle touch to soothe their anxieties and bring tranquility to their spirit. May your divine presence surround them and bring them into a deep and restful sleep. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.”
Short Prayers For Babies
For parents who are constantly on the go or in need of a quick prayer for their little one, short prayers for babies come in handy. These succinct and powerful prayers can be whispered in a moment’s notice, providing comfort and protection to your child. Here is a short prayer to say for your baby’s peaceful sleep:
“Heavenly Father, as the night falls, I lift up my baby into your caring hands. May you surround them with your love and shield them from any harm. May their sleep be calm and sweet, knowing that they are safe in your embrace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
As parents, we desire to protect our children from any harm that may come their way. This desire is ingrained in our hearts, just as it is reflected in this prayer for baby protection:
“Mighty God, I entrust my precious baby into your loving care. Please place your guardian angels around them, guarding their sleep and keeping them safe from all evil. Lord, I ask for your divine protection to shield them from any harm that may arise. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.”
It is important to establish a bedtime routine that helps your child transition into sleep effortlessly. Part of that routine can include a short bedtime prayer for your child, creating a peaceful and sacred space for them to sleep. Here is an example of a bedtime prayer:
“Dear Jesus, thank you for this beautiful day. As the night approaches, I ask for your blessings upon my child’s sleep. May their dreams be filled with joy and their mind find stillness. May they awake refreshed and ready to embrace a new day. In your loving name, I pray. Amen.”
For those seeking a specific prayer for their baby boy, we offer this short yet powerful prayer. Direct your thoughts and intention to God, asking for His grace and protection:
“Heavenly Father, I thank you for the gift of my baby boy. I pray that you bless his sleep with peace and serenity. May your angels watch over him throughout the night and guide his dreams. Grant him strength and wisdom as he grows, that he may always walk in your ways. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.”
Oftentimes, babies bring immeasurable joy and love. As parents, we want nothing but the best for them. That is why we offer a collection of prayers for your baby’s overall well-being. These prayers encompass their health, happiness, and spiritual growth. Here are a few examples:
- “Heavenly Father, I pray for my baby to grow strong and healthy. Grant them the strength to overcome any challenges that may come their way. Protect them from sickness and grant them resilience. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
- “Dear God, I thank you for my beautiful baby. As they grow, please fill their heart with love and kindness. May they always be a light in this world and bring joy to those around them. In your name, I pray. Amen.”
- “Precious Father, I pray for my baby’s spiritual journey. May they know your love and seek you in all things. Guide them on the path of righteousness and surround them with holy influences. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.”
Lastly, we cannot forget one of the most well-known bedtime prayers, the “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” prayer. Passed down through generations, this prayer has brought comfort to countless children as they drift off to sleep:
“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen.”
Remember, dear parents, as you journey through the challenges of helping your baby sleep, know that you are not alone. Prayer can be a powerful tool in bringing peace and tranquility to your child’s sleep. Use these prayers as a guide and adapt them to suit your personal beliefs and circumstances. May your little one find solace in the arms of sleep and wake up refreshed, ready to embrace each new day.
Catholic prayer for baby to sleep
It’s probably safe to say that every Christian parent’s greatest hope is that their kids will grow up to love the Lord with all of their heart, mind, soul, and strength. Every day of their lives, they can have a covering prayer prayed over them at bedtime. In the end, it is hoped that they will not only learn about Jesus Christ and find salvation, but also grow to know, love, and serve Him throughout their lives.
For the future decision your newborn will make in Christ, pray. Make it your primary prayer, adhering to Matthew 22’s first and greatest commandment:
“Love the Lord, your God, with all of your heart, soul, and mind,” was Jesus’ response. The first and most important commandment is this one. Matthew 22:37–38
Lord, I pray fervently that my child will one day come to know You and accept You for salvation as I put them to sleep. Please pursue them and speak Your truth into their hearts each and every day of their lives. I am grateful for the chance to bring up this child under Your guidance and affection, Lord. I ask for faithfulness in spreading the gospel to them and providing them with every chance to accept you for salvation. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Father in heaven,
We humbly pray to You on our knees, requesting that You help our child sleep through the night. We thank You for giving us this wonderful child every day and are incredibly appreciative of all the wonder and joy they bring into our life.
Ezoic
We beg You to kindly assist our child and ourselves in getting the rest we so sorely need and deserve. Please give our child a restful night’s sleep so they can wake up with well rested bodies and minds. We also thank You for giving us the love, courage, and endurance we need to get up every day and take care of our child.
We pray in the name of Jesus. Indeed.
Prayer For Baby To Sleep
Dear Lord,
I pray for my baby to sleep. Please help him/her to be calm and feel at peace. I know that you love me, and I love you back.
Please bless my child with a good night’s rest, so that he/she can wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.
Please watch over our family and keep us safe as we sleep tonight. May your love be with us always!
Dear God,
Please help us to help our baby sleep. We are having trouble getting her to fall asleep and stay asleep. We have tried working with her, but she seems very resistant to the idea of sleeping. Please help us to find a solution that works for all of us. Thank you for your guidance and assistance in this matter.
Dear God,
I pray that my baby, [baby’s name], will have a good night’s sleep. I know that he has been having trouble sleeping and that his lack of sleep is causing him to be cranky. Please help him feel safe enough to sleep and to rest his little eyes.
Thank you for your guidance and protection, God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen
Dear God,
I ask that you help my baby to sleep. I know that it is natural for babies to wake up at night, but I also know that it is not healthy for them to be woken up so often. Please help me to get my baby on a schedule so that he can get the rest he needs and I can get the rest I need. Thank you!
Dear Baby Jesus,
Please help my baby sleep through the night.
He’s been having trouble getting to sleep at night, and it’s really hard on him and me. I think that he just needs a little extra help from you. Please help him sleep until I wake up in the morning.
Dear Lord, please watch over my baby tonight as he sleeps. May his dreams be sweet, and may he wake up tomorrow to a new world full of possibility and promise. Help him to remember that you are always with him, and guide his actions in the days ahead.
I ask this in your name, amen.
Dear God,
I know that the sleep deprivation is a hard time for us all. I pray for my baby to sleep well and peacefully, and for myself to be able to help him get there. I pray that his stress levels will be reduced and he will feel safe, happy and content. I ask for your guidance in helping me find the best way to approach this situation. Please help me to not lose my temper when I am tired and frustrated. And please protect him from harm. Amen
Prayer For A Restless Child
A book editor once told me the key to writing for moms is to think about the question, “What’s the pain?”
In other words, what does a mom worry about as she lies in bed at night? What keeps her awake? What struggles might she be facing that she hasn’t admitted to anyone?
Whatever that pain is, write about it.
It’s an interesting question because we moms worry about so much. It’s hard to identify a singular pain, especially in regards to kids.
We worry about the choices our kids are making – and the choices we make for them.
We worry about health issues, academics, and whether they’ll make the team.
We worry about their relationships, their heartaches, and whether their disappointments will break them or make them stronger.
We worry about college, careers, and future happiness as adults.
We worry about their trials and anxiety, and why they haven’t acted like themselves lately.
We worry about bad things happening and imaginable scenarios – and how facing an actual tragedy would make us wish we’d spent less time worrying about the small stuff and more time simply enjoying our kids.
If you’re like me – an expert worrier – you may have discovered the need to unload your worries somewhere. You may have reached a point where your mind and heart couldn’t take it anymore, and you needed a real solution to keep from going crazy.
The only real solution that works for me is prayer. Only prayer can take me from a place of fear and worry to a place of peace and trust. As St. Augustine famously said, “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” When it comes to my kids and handling life, I rely on prayer to soothe me, guide me, and ground me in the truth.
Following are three prayers for when your kids are facing the tough stuff. Whatever worries you have today, I hope they lighten your load.
- Prayer for Strength
“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Dear Lord,
I feel so burdened. My heart is heavy and my mind is racing. I want to be strong for my child. I want to push past anxiety, fear, and despair so I can face this situation with peace, wisdom, and the hope of eternal life.
Please, Lord, fix my eyes on You. Keep me mindful of the big picture. When my mind wanders to the future – and worst case scenarios – reign me in the present. Remind me that Jesus exists in the present, and focusing my attention on today will reveal the little blessings and large blessings designed to help us through this trial.
You love my child more than I do, Lord, and I trust you with her life. I know you work all things together for good for those who love You. Please give her the stamina to handle this trial and the faith to endure it. Help her hear Your voice, feel Your presence, and impact the faith of others as she faces this hardship with humility, grace, and confidence in You.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
- Prayer for Hope
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19
Dear Lord,
I’m struggling with uncertainty. I crave security, but everything seems so fragile – relationships, circumstances, and life. It scares me to see my child broken. I want to fix this problem in his life, yet I can’t. I’m realizing how little control I have – and how desperately I need You.
I praise you, God, for being a rock. You never change, and that’s my comfort. I know today’s trial is just a part of my child’s story, not the end of his story. I know you have a great plan for him, one that can ultimately bring good from this struggle and turn his pain into joy.
I place my hope in You and cling to Your promises. Although the world is uncertain, I’m certain You are in control. Thank you for the hope of heaven that we receive through Jesus. I pray His light shines brightly in this dark season to guide me and my child toward You.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
- Prayer for Clarity
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
Dear Lord,
My mind is cloudy. My emotions are high. Part of me wants to run and hide – and the other part wants to go to any extreme necessary to save my child from this struggle.
Help me, Lord, to respond and not react. Clear my mind, calm my heart, and renew my spirit. Let my words and actions be wise and measured. Help me think before I speak and pray before I make a move.
You aren’t the author of confusion because confusion comes from the enemy. Help me and my child see Your truth clearly in this situation, trust Your timing, and find rest in the peace from You that surpasses all understanding.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Can praying eliminate every worry and pain that keeps a mother up at night? Of course not. What praying can do, however, is ease worries and pains so they become bearable. It can restore joy and hope in the midst of the unknown.
Are there certain prayers or Scriptures you rely on when your child faces a challenge? If so, please share in a comment below. Tell us your story about the power of prayer in your life and the role that it plays in your parenting.
Prayer For Baby Protection
These powerful prayers for our children’s protection will help to guard them spiritually and physically with the help of the Lord.
God of Protection, I thank You for Your hand upon my child’s life. You created my child. My child belongs to You. When my child passes through the waters, You will be with him/her, and the rivers will not overwhelm my child. When my child walks through the fire, they will not be burned, and the flame will not consume him/her. For You are Lord our God, the Holy One of Israel, our Savior. You are our Divine Protector, I place my child’s life in Your hands. Amen.
Isaiah 43:1-3
Jehovah Jireh, I know that You are my child’s provider. I know that where I cannot reach or provide for my child, You will. Though my child may walk in the midst of trouble, You will preserve his/her life. You stretch Your hand against the wrath of his/her enemies, and Your right hand will be my child’s deliverer. I will not fear because I know that You will provide my child with the protection they need. Amen.
Psalm 138:7
Beautiful One, I adore You because You will be my child’s rock, fortress and deliverer. I know this because You have been my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge. You are my child’s shield and the horn of his/her salvation, my stronghold. Thank You for protecting my child and I, You are our source of peace and refuge in a world that shows us evil. We will not fear, for You are with us and You go before us. Amen.
Psalm 18:2-3
Precious Lord, he who dwells in the shelter of You – the Most High – shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Lord, I pray that You are my child’s refuge and fortress, the God in whom they can and should put their trust! I pray that no evil shall be allowed to befall on my child, no plague will come near his/her tent. I rejoice for You have commanded Your angels concerning my child to guard him/her in all of his/her ways. Amen.
Psalm 91:1-2, 10-12
Lord, I know that my child’s help (and protection) comes from You, the Lord who made heaven and earth. You will not let Your foot be moved. You will not slumber. Thank You for being my child’s keeper, You are the shade on my child’s right hand. The sun will not strike my child by day, nor the moon by might. Thank You in advance for keeping my child from all evil. You will keep my child’s life, from this time forth and forevermore. Amen.
Psalm 121:3-8
Righteous God, I pray that my child continues to grow in his/her love for You, because I know that for those who love you, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to Your purpose. Therefore, I praise You because my child is protected by Your promise, a promise of good things for Your people. Thank You for being the Light of my child’s life, continue to protect him/her. Amen.
Romans 8:28
Father who art in heaven, I pray against those the enemy has put in positions to oppose and destroy my child. I pray that my child will not be despised by those around them, because I know that my child’s angels are always in the presence of You and look upon the face of You. I proclaim protection over my child because they are innocent and significant in Your eyes. I pray against the spiritual warfare that is taking place against my child. Amen.
Matthew 18:10
God of Peace, I thank You for my child because Your word states that children are a heritage from You, the fruit of the womb is a reward. I pray that You keep this earthly reward (my child) under Your divine protection. I pray that I do not take my child for granted because I have received a gift from You that many long for. Lord, please remain at the center of our lives so that we can continue to walk within Your covering for us. Amen.
Psalm 127:3
Good Good Father, I know that You are the Shepherd that ensures that my child shall not want for anything. You will make my child lie down in green pastures beside the still waters. I proclaim that You shall restore my child’s soul. Even as my child walks through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear because they are protected by You. Your rod and staff will always be a comfort to my child, I know that they will stay equipped against all threats to their protection. Amen.
Psalm 23:1-4
A Prayer for Your Baby
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The Bible tells us that children are a gift and a reward from the Lord. These Bible verses and prayer for your baby will assist you in reflecting on God’s Word and remembering his promises as you dedicate your precious gift back to God in prayer.
Ask God to bless your child with a healthy, productive, and godly life. When you pray for your baby, you can remember Scripture passages like the words of Matthew 19:13-15: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
We can pray that our children will answer Jesus’ call to come to him, that their thoughts will be pure, and that they will give themselves to the Lord’s work. As much as we love our children, Jesus and the Father love our little ones even more.
Christian Prayer for Your Baby
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this treasured child of mine. What a profound blessing this child is to me! Although you have entrusted this baby to me as a gift, I know he or she belongs to you. Like Hannah offered Samuel, I dedicate my child to you, Lord. I recognize that he or she is always in your care.
Help me as a parent, Lord, with my weaknesses and imperfections. Rather than worry, help me to remember that my baby is secure in your mighty hands. Your love is perfect, Lord, so I can trust that your love and concern for this baby is even greater than mine. I know that you will protect my child.
Give me strength and godly wisdom to raise this child after your Holy Word. Please, supply supernaturally what I lack. Keep my child walking on the path that leads to eternal life. Help him or her to overcome the temptations of this world and the sin that would so easily entangle him.
Dear God, send your Holy Spirit daily to lead, guide and counsel my child. Always assist him or her to grow in wisdom and stature, in grace and knowledge, in kindness, compassion, and love. May this child serve you faithfully, with his whole heart devoted to you all the days of his life. May he discover the joy of your presence through a daily relationship with your Son, Jesus Christ.
Help me never to hold on too tightly to this child, nor neglect my responsibilities before you as a parent. I promise to do everything in my power to raise my child according to the precepts in your holy Word. I look forward with great anticipation to the day this child decides on his own to follow you.
Help me to be an example to my child, and to teach and train him or her in God’s Word. Give me wisdom to discipline my child according to your ways. May I never stop praying for this gift you’ve entrusted to me. Lord, let my commitment to raise this child for the glory of your name cause his life to forever testify of your faithfulness.
In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.
Bible Verses for Children and Babies
As you pray, remember that the overwhelming love we feel for our children helps us better understand the loving heart of God for us, his children. Here are some Scriptures you can keep in mind when praying for your baby:
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. (Psalm 127:3)
[Hannah to the Priest Eli] “As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” (1 Samuel 1:26-26)
In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:10)
All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace. (Isaiah 54:13)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” (Jeremiah 1:5)
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (Proverbs 22:6)
But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (Matthew 19:14)
Prayers for Women Trying to Conceive
There is no “best” way to pray to get pregnant, but some prayers feel deeper and more powerful. Hannah and Samuel tried to get pregnant for years, and prayed to God for a baby.
Praying to get pregnant is so emotional, especially if you want a baby more than anything. A child is a gift, a blessing from God. These thoughts and prayers for pregnancy will help you stay focused on God’s love, light, and will for your life. You will find a new sense of faith and – more importantly – connection with Jesus Christ.
Prayer isn’t about getting what you want. Praying – even to get pregnant and have a baby – is about changing your heart and mind to align with God’s will for your life. No matter important it is to have a baby, you’ll have a more joyful and peaceful life if all you want is God’s best for you.
You may want to get pregnant more than you’ve ever wanted anything in your life. If you’re desperate to have a baby, your prayers may be more about your own wants and needs than accepting God’s will for your life. This can be a dangerous place to be because you’ll be devastated if you don’t get pregnant quickly. And what happens if you pray to get pregnant but you don’t have a baby? This is why it’s important to put God’s loving will for your life ahead of your own yearning to get pregnant.
In the Bible, Hannah’s prayer for pregnancy was answered in 1 Samuel 1. It’s important to know why her prayer for a baby was granted by God. I’ll share the passage of Scripture here and explain what I recently learned about Hannah’s prayer for getting pregnant and having a baby. You’ll find the help and hope you’re looking for – especially if you’ve been trying to conceive a baby for a long time.
Here is the “centering prayer for pregnancy” that I originally shared eight years ago, when I was praying for a baby. Remember that it’s one way to pray for a baby, but it’s not a miracle prayer that guarantees you’ll get pregnant.
A Centering Prayer for Pregnancy
Centering prayer is an ancient meditative art that involves silencing your heart and mind. Take a deep breath, and allow God’s peace, love, joy and freedom to fill your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to descend upon you, to give you the peace that passes all understanding.
Centering prayer is a way to calm your mind and still your spirit, to instill your body with a sense of peace and health, and to create a heart of acceptance towards what God wills in your life.
These four steps will guide you through a centering prayer for pregnancy. Remember that your goal isn’t just to get pregnant. It’s to get closer to God, and to align your will with His will for you and your family.
1. Choose a sacred word or phrase that symbolizes your prayer for pregnancy
The focus of centering prayer is to consent to God’s presence and action within. Choose a word or phrase that helps you remember that you are consenting to God’s work and power in your life – whether that means getting pregnant or not getting pregnant. For instance, your sacred word could be “Trust” or “Hope” or “God’s will be done” or “Acceptance.” Note that it’s not necessarily “praying for a baby” or “increased fertility” or “conception”! The idea is to be open to what God has in store.
2. Take time to connect with God — not “just” pray for a baby
Where can you pray comfortably for 20 minutes? Try not to pray in a place where you’ll fall asleep or be distracted. Close your eyes and let go of everything happening within you – all your hopes and yearnings and wishes to be pregnant. Your prayer to get pregnant is meant to soothe your mind, heart, and spirit.
When you’re praying for a baby, be prepared for distractions, such as images, feelings, reflections, physical sensations, and unexpected thoughts…and use your sacred word to ease those distractions.
3. Use your sacred word in your pregnancy prayer
Whatever disruptive thoughts or emotions come to you, lay your sacred word over them. For example if you start to feel scared you’ll never get pregnant, repeat “Trust” or “Acceptance” until you feel calm and focused on God. If you keep frantically thinking about getting pregnant or what will happen if you don’t get pregnant, savor your sacred word: “Faith” or “God’s will be done.”
Practice saying these words and phrases at different times during the day. Worshipping God for who He is – not what He gives you – goes far beyond a set time of centering prayer for a pregnancy.
4. Rest in silence after you pray for a baby
Taking two or three minutes to transition from centering prayer to back to your everyday life. This helps set and cement your intimacy with God in your heart, mind, and soul. A huge and exciting benefit of learning how to pray for a baby is that it helps you feel peaceful, hopeful, faithful, and able to accept of whatever God allows into your life.
No prayer to get pregnant will guarantee you’ll conceive a baby, but prayer can may you spiritually, physically, and emotionally stronger to deal with whatever happens.
The purpose of pregnancy prayer is to give you peace, hope, and acceptance – whether or not you get pregnant. Knowing how to pray for a baby is important – and so is knowing when it’s time to get medical advice from fertility specialists.
Pregnancy Prayers
This book can be presented to your child as a heirloom gift when they are older as it holds your thoughts and prayers for them during your pregnancy. If applicable, it is highly recommended that both parents fill out the book. You can begin this book at any time during pregnancy. Just start at your current week and continue to pray through the 40 weeks even after your baby is born.
Below is Hannah’s prayer for pregnancy and a healthy baby boy in 1 Samuel 1. I’ll explain what I learned about praying for a baby from a recent Tim Keller sermon podcast. Then, I’ll share a Centering Prayer for Pregnancy, which I originally posted eight years ago when I was praying for a baby.
Prayer is about spending time with God so you get to know Him better. Praying for a baby isn’t just about getting pregnant; it’s about taking your relationship with Jesus to a deeper, more personal and healthy level. Praying is about learning how to be stable, secure, and peaceful no matter what happens in your life.
Hannah’s Prayer for a Pregnancy
On one occasion, Hannah got up after they ate and drank at Shiloh. The priest Eli was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s temple. Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the Lord and wept with many tears. Making a vow, she pleaded, “Lord of Armies, if you will take notice of your servant’s affliction, remember and not forget me, and give your servant a son, I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut.”
While she continued praying in the Lord’s presence, Eli watched her mouth. Hannah was praying silently, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to be drunk? Get rid of your wine!”
“No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman with a broken heart. I haven’t had any wine or beer; I’ve been pouring out my heart before the Lord. Don’t think of me as a wicked woman; I’ve been praying from the depth of my anguish and resentment.”
Eli responded, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the request you’ve made of him.” “May your servant find favor with you,” she replied. Then Hannah went on her way; she ate and no longer looked despondent.
Why did God grant Hannah’s prayer to get pregnant?
Look at the parts that I bolded: Hannah didn’t just “give” her baby to God – she vowed to completely and totally set her son apart for a holy life. Then, Hannah became radiant, and she worshipped God — even before her prayers to get pregnant were answered!
Hannah didn’t worship God radiantly and fervently after she got pregnant. She was a woman after God’s own heart before she conceived her baby. She released her grip, she loosened her grasp, she let go of her desperate yearning to get pregnant. She prayed for a baby, but she didn’t make it the center of her life, her heart, and her worship.
Hannah loved God for who He is, not what He could give her.
It wasn’t that Hannah said the right things when she was praying for a baby, or that she recited a centering prayer for pregnancy that convinced God to open her womb! It was that she released her desperate grip to get pregnant. She let go of the neediness, the yearning, the clawing frenetic desire to have a baby.
Worship God for who He is when you pray for a baby
Praying for a baby can be a beautiful act of worship – if it comes from a heart that is completely submitted to God’s will for your life. When your spirit is open and accepting to whatever God has in store for you, you become free from the desperation that many women feel when they’re depressed because they can’t get pregnant.
It’s good to pray for a baby – God wants us to ask Him for the desires of our hearts! But, if you set your heart, mind and soul on having a baby, then you’re not open to God’s holy and perfect will for your life. Basing your happiness on a child is a mistake. God may still grant your prayer for a pregnancy, but your happiness will always be tied up with your kid. And that, my friend, will eventually break your heart.
“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.” ~ Søren Kierkegaard.
Allow God to change your heart as you keep praying for a baby. Trust Him. Learn what it means to really, truly be open to whatever He has planned for your life and family. Learn how to worship God for who He is — even if you’re not pregnant. Even if you’ve been saying prayers for a pregnancy for years.
While you’re waiting and praying for a baby
“How long, O Lord, how long?” The reality of life is that we’re all waiting on something. Marriage. Babies. Jobs. Healing. Family restoration. The list could go on and on!
Seasons of waiting on the Lord can be hard, discouraging and exhausting – especially you’ve been hoping and praying to get pregnant for months or even years.
“No matter how hard your journey has been, there is a purpose for all of the pain,” says Caroline Harries, author of In Due Time. “Come join me in this 60-day devotional as I share pieces of my own story, including both loss and longing. Through the truth shared from God’s Word, you will find that it is possible to have joy and declare that God is good, even in the midst of waiting. As you read each devotion, my prayer is that your heart will be healed, your mind renewed and your spirit encouraged to seek, trust and praise the Lord through the storms you are facing today.”
It may be a hard journey now, but God is faithful. He will finish the work that he started in you. If you remain steadfast and don’t give up, in due time you will reap your abundant harvest! Be encouraged and have hope — God is in the waiting!
Keep saying your prayers for a baby. Keep learning how to pray to get pregnant. Read books on healthy pregnancies, happy births, and smooth transitions to motherhood. But stay focused on God, who created you and only wants the best for you. No matter how long it takes to get pregnant and have a baby, be grateful for all the blessings God has already poured into your life through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.