Prayer and Pregnancy

“O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise and give thanks to Your name; For You have done miraculous things, Plans formed long, long ago, [fulfilled] with perfect faithfulness.” -ISAIAH‬ ‭25:1‬ ‭AMP‬‬

It’s hard to believe we are just a little over two short weeks away from meeting our sweet girl {knowing that she can very well make her entrance before then!} We got to see her for the last time before meeting her on the ultrasound last week and we are amazed at the detail we could see and the way the Lord has knit her together those precious little checks & nose! {Psalm 139}

I’ve been working my way through my Val Marie Paper pregnancy journal the last 9 months. It has been such a gift to intentionally pray over her development, her heart, her life & future. It’s been a way to document all the happening in my heart and body as well and the way she grows each week. There’s spots to pray for mama & daddy too, to share how I’ve been feeling and a place to pray over worries and fears, to hand them back to the Lord, spots for answered prayers and places to pray for others as well.

As we draw closer to labor and her arrival, worry and anxious thoughts have crept in, as well as joy & excitement. I recently listened to a Risen Motherhood podcast all about turning our worry into worship. It requires daily surrender, taking thoughts captive and turning them into rejoicing and worship, reminded to be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:4-8). Lately I’ve been working on the prayer section for labor & delivery, journaling birthing affirmations and adding scripture encouragement all rooted in Christ and reliance on His power and strength.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philippians 4:4-8

This pregnancy has taught me so much about the love of the Father, God’s sovereignty, control and plans {that he’s formed long ago} that he brings about in perfect faithfulness. I’m in awe of the story he’s writing for us and for her little life already. It’s all forced me to have a greater dependence on Him, trust in Him, surrendering to Him, leaning into Him, and for that I am so grateful. We can’t wait to meet you sweet girl!