Heavenly Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, You are the Lord of life and the giver of every good gift. You opened the wombs of Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Hannah and Elizabeth when all seemed impossible, showing that “nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) Look with mercy upon us, Your servants, who long for the gift of a child according to Your holy will.​

Lord, You heard the cry of Hannah as she wept in Your presence and prayed for a son, and You remembered her and granted her Samuel. (1 Samuel 1:10, 19–20) You gave a son to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, and turned Sarah’s laughter of disbelief into laughter of joy when Isaac was born. (Genesis 18:10–14; 21:1–3) You did not forget Elizabeth, who was called barren, but in time she conceived John the Baptist and rejoiced in Your mercy. (Luke 1:13, 24–25, 36) Remember us also, Lord, in Your compassion, and if it be Your will, grant that we may conceive and welcome a child into our family.​

We surrender our hearts, our bodies and our future to You, trusting that “the Lord is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works.” (Psalm 145:13) Heal any wounds of body, mind or spirit that may stand in the way of peace, and give us the grace to walk this path without bitterness, envy or despair. Let our waiting deepen our love for one another and our trust in You, so that our marriage may be fruitful in faith, hope and charity, even before it is fruitful in children.​

Intercession of saints

Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus and patrons of couples longing for a child, you persevered in prayer and in time were blessed with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pray for us, that we may be steadfast in faith during this season of waiting, and that, if it is God’s will, we too may rejoice in the gift of a child.​

Saint Elizabeth and Saint Zechariah, who carried the stigma of barrenness until God filled your old age with the joy of John the Baptist, intercede for us and strengthen our faith when we are tempted to lose heart. (Luke 1:5–25, 36) Help us to trust God’s timing and His plan, even when we do not understand it.​

Saint Gerard Majella, compassionate friend of couples, patron of expectant mothers and those facing infertility, pray for us and for all medical and moral decisions we must make. Ask the Lord to bless our bodies with the capacity to conceive and carry life, and above all to bless us with surrender to His loving will.​

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla, Saint Rita, Saint Anne, Saint Joseph, and all holy spouses and parents, gather around us with your prayers. Obtain for us the grace to remain united, gentle and hopeful, and to welcome with gratitude whatever form of fruitfulness God chooses for our marriage, whether through conception, adoption, spiritual parenthood, or generous service to others.​

Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the “Blessed Fruit of your womb,” Jesus, wrap us in your mantle. Present our tears, our longing and our desire for a child to your Son, and pray that He may say the word that brings life, peace and joy to our home. Amen.

1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory be…