There are moments we are excited to share and then there are moments we bury deep in the recesses of our minds, never to see the light of social media or text. Challenges in fertility are this two-sided coin. I’ve been on both sides and know what it is to weep with joy and sit quietly in deep grief that never seems to end while you wait for the promise of a brighter day.
The strength of grief is in its ability to isolate us and convince us we are the only ones grappling with pain. But friend, you are not alone. Grief loses some of its grip in community. There are sisters around you that know your struggle and are willing to walk with you - lean in. I am one of them. Since I cannot physically be there with you, here’s a prayer I am praying for you from an understanding heart.
There are moments we are excited to share and then there are moments we bury deep in the recesses of our minds, never to see the light of social media or text. Challenges in fertility are this two-sided coin. I’ve been on both sides and know what it is to weep with joy and sit quietly in deep grief that never seems to end while you wait for the promise of a brighter day. The struggle with infertility can often hit hard at the core of our value and worth, making us question God's love and purpose.
The strength of grief is in its ability to isolate us and convince us we are the only ones grappling with pain. But friend, you are not alone. Grief loses some of its grip in community. There are sisters around you that know your struggle and are willing to walk with you - lean in. I am one of them. Since I cannot physically be there with you, here’s a prayer I am praying for you from an understanding heart.
A Prayer for the Struggle of Infertility
Lord, we come to you today, as humbly as we know how. Our hearts, wombs, and arms open to receive, The gift of life that so often seems to elude us. You cannot lie, so we wait. Expectantly, cautiously, because our fear is as great as our hope.
We ache from within and the pain of infertility runs deep into our souls. We know you understand. We believe, Lord, help our unbelief. Father, You will answer us, Your word will not return void.
Set our feet on the path. Let us find in You the joy we seek, and may our longing be satisfied. Not just until we obtain, but always. The struggle is real God, but so are You.
Establish us. Settle us. Make us ready. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible Verses to Pray over Infertility:
“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.” (Hebrews 11:11)
Lord we know that nothing is too hard for You. Just like Sarah knew you would be faithful to your promise, we also believe that Your faithfulness to us will not fail. Help us to know there is nothing that will prevent Your will from being accomplished in us. No matter where we may find ourselves, let us remember that You have the final say. Regardless of age, health status, or any other thing that threatens our belief, Your miracle-working power knows no boundaries.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
Our hearts are deeply grieved Father, and our spirits are wounded. Yet we seek Your face. Heal our brokenness as we wait on You. Stitch back together our pride in who You have called and created us to be as women, and may we be Your hands and feet to others who need healing. Thank You for being the balm for our souls.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
Bearing the pain and emptiness of infertility has worn us down, God. Our hope feels thin, and joy feels scarce. Father, give us grace to remain joyful in our hope for children. Help us to stay strong in the face of such a fiery affliction, and most of all, help our connection with You to remain constant. Help us not to neglect the sacred habit of prayer, even when it seems Your answer is slow. We believe You are an on-time God, so we will trust You.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
Lord, this is tough. How do we glory in this suffering? Show us the way. Help us to remember that this suffering has meaning, no matter how hard it feels to walk through it. The perseverance and character and hope that will result seems so far away. In the meantime, thank You for the Holy Spirit that is given to us to comfort us.
“Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD. ... “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.” (Isaiah 54:1, 4)
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’” (Genesis 1:8)
Father, thank You for creating us from the beginning, to flourish and to be fruitful and multiply as a reproduction of You and Your creative power in us. As we pray and petition for You to bless those who long to fulfil this command through bearing children of their own, we also recognize that You equip us to be fruitful in every area of our lives. Show us how to replicate our faith in the lives of others; to bring forth the fruit of the spirit that will transform lives and birth new children of the faith.
“He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.”(Psalm 113:9)
Lord, Your promises are true today, yesterday and forevermore. Help us to praise You for those promises, though we have not yet received. We believe you will settle us, in the way that You deem best. Whether as physical mothers or spiritual mothers, we can rely on You to establish us. Show us how we can provide guidance and comfort in roles that may not fall under traditional motherhood, but bring You glory nonetheless. While Your plan is still coming to pass in our lives, may we actively put our faith in You.
Sisters, may God fulfill all His promises to you. Trust Him with your heart.
Quantrilla Ard (affectionately known as Quanny), hails from the DC metropolitan area. She and her husband raise their family with joy and are constantly in awe of each blessing bestowed upon them. Because she leads a full life as a wife, stay-at-home mom, doctoral student, and entrepreneur, Quanny often finds herself in the thick of problem solving at any given moment. Check out more of her writing on her blog, ThePHDMamma.com, and connect with her on Twitter.
This article is part of our Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Serenity Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Irish Blessings & Prayers
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
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