“Be fertile and multiply” (Gn. 1:28).
“Truly children are a gift from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Ps. 127:3).
God, You are the source of all Life.
At the beginning of history,
You gave us the command
To be fertile and multiply.
You call us to be generous
In cooperating with You
In bringing forth new life,
New children for Your kingdom and Your glory.
We rejoice, O God, in the gift and privilege
That you give Your sons and daughters
To welcome new life from You
And to cooperate with You
In receiving, cherishing, and nurturing that new life.
Bless all parents, Lord,
And help those who are afraid to be parents.
Dispel their fears, give them confidence,
And fill their hearts with the awareness
That children are a gift from You.
May we always reverence that gift,
Knowing that we can neither demand it nor discard it.
May we be found faithful stewards of creation,
Beginning with the children You entrust
Not only to their parents,
But to the protection and care of us all.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life