Lord, my brothers and sisters in the womb
at this stage of development
have a firm hand grasp.
I ask you, then, to take their hand
And accompany them in their final stage of the journey to birth.
Then, Lord, take their hand throughout life.
Let them always be protected.
Let them always grow in knowledge, grace, and love.
Let them grow in service to you and your people.
Lord, please take the hand
Of every unborn child.
Protect them from the scourge of abortion.
And enable all of us to take their hands as well,
Bearing witness to a world that often forgets them
That they are your children and our brothers and sisters
In the one human family.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.