Scriptures to Prepare for Birth

It was 1:58 a.m. and the room was swarming with four nurses. My eyes opened and closed as my head moved side to side. I heard, "Okay, push again." And I pushed as yet another contraction hit. I was in pain. I was struggling to stay focused but my mind swarm with terrifying thoughts.

What if she won't come out?

What if something goes wrong?

What if I die??

Finally, at 2:04 a.m. I heard a strong cry and I held my second little one in my arms.

My baby girl is now five months old. It's so hard for me to comprehend that I gave birth to this sweet little feisty female five whole months ago! There have been many new little ones coming into the world lately and it has brought me back to that cold night five months ago. It was intense. It was beautiful. It was scary. And it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. My husband likes to remind me about what he calls "my dramatic moment" but hey, it's called labor for a reason! It's hard work. And birth? It's scary! Am I right?

I had a hard time delivering my first child and as a result of that, I had a much longer list of fears as my second delivery came closer. I spent a lot of time preparing my body, but I also spent a lot of time preparing my spirit. I frequently meditated on certain Scripture passages that gave me peace and quieted my heart. And I would like to share them with you.

2 Corinthians 12:9 - "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  - This is one of my favorite verses and it applies to both childbirth and motherhood. We are so vulnerable in labor. We are at the mercy of each contraction. This verse became my theme for my daughter's non-medicated birth. The power and strength of Jesus Christ is offered to us in our weakness and our frailty. And we can glory in our labor so that His power can be manifested in us. What a beautiful promise from our God.

Isaiah 26:3 - "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." - Read that again. Perfect peace. Isn't that what we desperately need in the days and weeks leading up to delivery? Steady your mind on Jesus and trust Him and He will give you peace. That's a promise, sister.

Philippians 4:6-7 - "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - As difficult as it may be, do not worry or be anxious. I often thought about all the scenarios of what could go wrong. Be informed, but do not worry or fret. Talk to Jesus and tell Him your fears. Spend time in His presence and He will give you comfort and a peace that passes all understanding.

John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - With both my children, I was afraid of childbirth. But I am thankful that we are given a peace - a supernatural peace - that quiets our hearts.
Psalm 56:3-4 - "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." - This goes right along with the above verse. When you are afraid, put your trust in God. Has He ever failed you?? Has He ever left you helpless? No. Trust Him. Do not be afraid of all the "what if's" - just simply put your life and your unborn baby's life in the hands on your Creator.

Isaiah 40:29 - "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." - In childbirth, I felt faint MANY times. I felt numb with pain. Isn't it a joy to know that our God gives power to the faint and increases our strength when we feel like we have nothing left?

Isaiah 66:13 - "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted..." - If you are a mother already, you will understand this verse. You have comforted your baby. You have dried their tears and kissed their scraped knees. You have softly sang lullabies and rocked them to sleep. Just as you have comforted your children, the Lord promises to comfort you.


These are the verses that encouraged me and gave me peace when I was tempted to be afraid. What verses do you have that calms your heart and can prepare you for labor?