Prayer After a Miscarriage or the Loss of a Child
The loss of a child, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or death in infancy, is a deep and often hidden grief. Parents may feel alone, or feel that their sorrow is not understood. Your child's life was real and precious to God. This prayer is offered gently for mothers, fathers, and families who are mourning.
The Prayer
Loving Father, You formed our child in the secret of the womb and knew this little one before we did. Our hearts are broken. We had hoped and planned and loved, and now our arms are empty. We bring You our sorrow, our questions, and even our anger, for You are close to the brokenhearted. We thank You for the gift of our child's life, however brief. This life was real and precious, and it will never be forgotten by us or by You. Trusting in Your boundless mercy, we entrust our child to You, the God who loves every human life and wills that all be saved. Hold our little one close in Your love. Heal our wounded hearts. Be near to the mother who carried this child, and give her body and spirit rest and healing. Be near to the father, who grieves too. Keep us from blaming ourselves or each other, and draw us together in this sorrow. Send us friends who will listen, and give us the grace to grieve with hope. Holy Mary, Mother of Sorrows, you held your Son's lifeless body in your arms; hold us in our grief. Holy Innocents, pray for us. And may we one day understand Your loving plan, and rejoice with all whom we love in the joy of Your kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Suggested saints: Our Lady of Sorrows and the Holy Innocents. The Church entrusts children who die before Baptism to the mercy of God, who desires that all be saved (Catechism, 1261). Many parents find comfort in naming their child, and your parish can offer a Mass or a blessing; many Catholic cemeteries provide burial for babies lost early.
About this prayer: This is an original prayer written for Daily Catholic Prayers. It is not a traditional text and is not attributed to any saint. You are welcome to pray it and share it.
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