When a baby dies before birth,
the parents may seek the prayers of the Church.
A priest, deacon, or lay minister of the parish,
or a member of the family may lead this blessing.
Make the sign of the cross.
The leader begins:
Let us praise the Father of mercies,
the God of all consolation.
Blessed be God for ever.
All respond:
Blessed be God for ever.
The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:
For those who trust in God,
in the pain of sorrow there is consolation,
in the face of despair there is hope,
in the midst of death there is life.
(Name) and (Name), as we mourn the death of your child,
we place ourselves in the hands of God and ask strength,
for healing, and for love.
Then the Scripture is read:
Listen to the words of the book of Lamentations:
“My soul is deprived of peace,
I have forgotten what happiness is;
I tell myself my future is lost,
all that I hoped for from the Lord.
But I will call this to mind,
as my reason to have hope:
The favors of the Lord are not exhausted,
his mercies are not spent;
They are renewed each morning,
so great is his faithfulness.
My portion is the Lord, says my soul;
therefore I will hope in him.” [Lam. 3:17-18, 21-24]
The reader concludes:
The Word of the Lord.
All respond:
Thanks be to God.
After a time of silence, all join in the prayers of intercession.
These conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.
Then the leader may invite all to extend their hands over the parents in blessing.
Father and Creator,
in whom all life and death find meaning,
we bless you at all times,
especially when we have need of your consolation.
N. and N. entrust to your care a life conceived in love.
May your blessing come upon them now.
Remove all anxiety from their minds
and strengthen this love
so that they may have peace in their hearts and home.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All respond:
Amen.
All make the sign of the cross as the leader concludes:
May the almighty and merciful God bless and protect us,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
All respond:
Amen.