For the protection of every life

For children in the womb, and for their mothers.

The Church prays for the unborn and — just as insistently — for the women carrying them, who are often frightened, unsupported and alone. A prayer for life that forgets the mother has forgotten half the Gospel.

The Prayer

Lord God, Creator of every human life,
we pray for the children in the womb tonight.

Protect them.
And protect their mothers:
those who are frightened, those who are pressured,
those who have been abandoned,
those who cannot see a way forward.

Give them people who will stand by them
rather than merely disapprove.

For those who have had abortions,
and carry it in silence:
give them Your mercy, which is greater than this,
and the courage to receive it.

Make us a Church that welcomes children
and does not leave their mothers to cope alone. Amen.

A Prayer for Healing After Abortion

Lord, You do not hold this over anyone who brings it to You.
Give peace to those who cannot forgive themselves.
Lead them to Your mercy in Confession,
where the whole weight of it can be set down at once,
and let them be free. Amen.

Practical Help

Project Rachel, Rachel’s Vineyard and diocesan post-abortion ministries offer confidential support and healing retreats. Local pregnancy support centres, Catholic Charities and parish outreach offer practical help — housing, baby supplies, counselling — for women who choose to continue a pregnancy. A prayer for life is best said with a phone number to hand.