A Prayer to Welcome a New Baby Home - Your Daily Prayer - March 14

A Prayer to Welcome a New Baby Home
By: Amanda Idleman 

Bible Reading: "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." - Psalm 127:3-5 

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Welcoming new life into this world is such a beautiful and humbling privilege for parents and families. Every human being has been divinely knit together for a purpose and on purpose by their Creator. There are no mistaken people; each child is a gift with a special story to tell. 

I remember those first special days with each of my precious babies. So much time was spent staring at this tiny creature in total awe of what now was mine to shepherd, hold, and care for. I’ve never been more certain that life is a miraculous gift than when bearing witness to a new life entering this world. 

There is a sense of perfection, holiness, and sacredness of beginnings as your family grows. Gratitude and the honor of being theirs weigh on each special new moment of firsts together. As parents, we must remember that sense of privilege we feel at the beginning and the urgency that is laid on our hearts to train our child in the ways of the Lord. 

Our children are a heritage from the Lord, a reward! We are blessed to know them, to love them, to pray for them, and to enjoy them. Even in the hardest moments shared, we know that God intends for family to be a blessing that brings us joy and support over a lifetime. As you embrace that baby, even during those challenging sleepless nights, be encouraged that this child is your inheritance! 

Prayer is one of our best tools as parents. God tells us that as we ask, seek, and knock, he promises to empower us for every good work with his Holy Spirit. We need God’s spirit alive and active more than anything else to journey well with our children. God’s spirit is more valuable than any parenting book, podcast, or baby gadget. 

We need him to whisper patience into our hearts when we are feeling exasperated. We need him to give us peace when we are so afraid of all that could go wrong for our kids in this world. We need his comfort and grace when we feel we’ve fallen short as parents. We need his protection as we navigate this world with another precious life in tow. We need his wisdom as we make decisions that range from sleep training ideas, schooling options, and then, one day, wedding arrangements. We need God’s power to be with us through every crazy age and stage of this wild parenting ride. 

As you make a new beginning, remember not to grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9), as the journey is long and comes with many unexpected challenges. Remember, you are always on the same team as your child, and God loves you both more than you could ever imagine. He is there with you through everything that is yet to come. 

Let’s Pray:
Father, we thank you that children are a blessing from the Lord! Each new life is a sacred gift that we, as parents, are given the great honor of shepherding. Empower us as we walk this long road of life together. Remind us of your truth, your love, and your strength. Give us peace as we grow our families, being reminded that you love families and that they are a part of your good plan for us. Protect this child and keep them safe and healthy. Give us all we need to love them well. Show us your ways and teach us your paths as we go on this journey of parenthood. Amen. 

Photo Credit: ©Angela Duxbury/Unsplash

Amanda Idleman is a writer whose passion is to encourage others to live joyfully. She writes devotions for My Daily Bible Verse Devotional and Podcast, Crosswalk Couples Devotional, the Daily Devotional App, she has work published with Her View from Home, on the MOPS Blog, and is a regular contributor for Crosswalk.com. She has most recently published a devotional, Comfort: A 30 Day Devotional Exploring God's Heart of Love for Mommas. You can find out more about Amanda on her Facebook Page or follow her on Instagram.

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