Expecting: Praying for Your Child's Development―Body and Soul - Hardcover

Taviano, Marla

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1416572007 ISBN 13: 9781416572008

Publisher: Howard Books, 2009

Synopsis

Wrap Your New Baby in Prayer

Just as the heart of your baby begins to beat and as little ears take shape, speak words of prayer asking for a heart that beats for God and for ears that listen for His leading. This beautiful prayer book will guide you as you pray for your child's physical growth as well as his or her spiritual growth. The precious forty weeks of creation will become even more meaningful as you reflect on the illustrations that depict your baby's development.

Each week you will be blessed with:

A prayer for your child's body and soul

A devotional message

A carefully selected scripture

An inspirational quote

A "body and soul" reflection for mom

A space for you to journal your own thoughts and prayers

Create a keepsake you and your child will cherish forever

About this title

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Expecting WEEK 1

Prayer ♥ Uterine Lining

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.

Jeremiah 1:5a

Certainly the world owes more to the prayers of women than it realizes.

Herbert Lockyer
A Prayer for Baby—Body and Soul

God, I know it’s never too early to pray for my future children. Thoughts of motherhood have always had a place in my mind and heart. I’m not naļve enough to think it will be easy, but I know I can do this with you by my side.

God, will you watch over my body as it prepares to welcome a child into my womb? Will you work out everything for good and make sure the conditions are just right for conception?

I want to start praying even now for the child who will someday rest in my arms. Would you protect that baby? Would you help him grow up to be healthy and happy? To be a child who falls in love with Jesus and never stops growing in his relationship with you?

Please give me the discipline to pray for my child every day for the rest of my life.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Baby’s Physical Development

No baby yet at this point. His parts are still nestled safely in two different bodies—Mom’s and Dad’s. It’s amazing to think that a tiny egg (present in a woman’s body since before she was born) can unite with an even tinier sperm from her partner’s body and create a brand-new human being. Your uterine lining goes so baby can come!


Mom’s Development—Body and Soul

Oddly enough, the forty weeks of pregnancy start two weeks before your baby is even conceived. If you’ve been trying for a while, you’re probably spending a lot of time talking to God about this desire of your heart. He’s listening to those prayers!

If a baby wasn’t in your plans right now, God knows this too. And He’ll be there for you throughout your pregnancy, guiding you through.

Whether the start of your period spells disappointment or relief, your body is hard at work readying your uterus for a baby. The lining of the uterine wall has been shed, and hormones are preparing an egg for release. If the timing and conditions are right, and a single sperm unites with that egg, you could get pregnant!

This is a week of contemplation. Pray for wisdom, calmness of heart (more babies seem to be conceived in relaxed atmospheres), and unity between you and your husband.

And then get ready for the ride of your life!
In Your Words

What one request is weighing on your heart right now? Write a prayer to God that addresses that need.

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Edition details

• Publisher: Howard Books
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1416572007
• ISBN 13: 9781416572008
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 208