Lord, you prepare us for every milestone in life,
You equip us for every change
And you strengthen us to begin every new chapter in our journey.

As we follow the development of human life in the womb,
Give us and all people
A deeper appreciation of the fact
That our entire life
From fertilization to death
Is a single journey,
And that we maintain our unique identity
At every stage.

Give us also a deep faith
That you, who have brought us out of nothing
Will indeed sustain our lives
Even beyond death
And grant us the promise of salvation
And everlasting joy
In Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.