Intercession

May every expectant mother receive compassionate care and support as she nurtures the life in her womb.

Prayers

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection

Today we pray especially for expectant mothers, particularly those facing difficult or unexpected pregnancies. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would conceive the Son of God, she responded with great faith and trust: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Although Mary knew there would be uncertainty and challenges ahead, she said “yes” to God and welcomed the gift of life within her womb.

As we journey towards Pentecost, the Gospel reminds us that Jesus came so that we “may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, God continues to bring courage, peace, and hope to His people, especially in times of fear or uncertainty.

Like Elizabeth supporting Mary during her pregnancy, we too are called to walk alongside expectant mothers with kindness, encouragement, and practical support. A caring community can help bring hope and reassurance to those who may feel anxious or overwhelmed.

May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen all expectant mothers, filling them with wisdom, courage, and peace. And may our communities always be places where every mother and child are welcomed, supported, and loved.

Act of Reparation

• Pray this short Prayer for Expectant Mothers.

Gospel Reflection

Each expectant mother carries a new life within her; we anticipate and marvel at all that will emerge and we give thanks for and celebrate each new person. The last verses of the Gospel of John are proclaimed today. John acknowledges that he did not account for “all the other things that Jesus did”. There is so much more to what Jesus did for us and to what Jesus is doing for us now. So, there are endless possibilities with each new life. May we cherish each new, unique and irreplaceable human person. (John 21: 20-25)
Bishop Martin Hayes, Bishop of Kilmore – Ireland

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Day Two – Expectant Fathers

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Intercessions and Reflections provided by Pray for Life

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The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

The Hail Mary

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Glory be to the Father

Glory be to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning
is now, and ever shall be
world without end. Amen.

Prayer for Expectant Mothers

Mary, we pray today for all mothers to be
who are afraid or nervous.
We pray for those who feel threatened or
overwhelmed by their pregnancy.
Intercede for them,
that God may give them the grace
to say yes, and the courage to go on.

May they have the grace to reject the
false solution of abortion.
May they say with you:
“Be it done to me according to your Word”
May they experience the help of Christian
people and know the peace that
comes from doing God’s will.

Amen.

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