O gracious God, who carries your children in your arms, and who, in your wisdom, chose to become incarnate through pregnancy and childbirth, grant that those who are soon expecting the arrival of their child be given a peace that passes all understanding. O mother God, who binds up our wounds, we ask that you reduce swelling in ankles and feet, strengthen uterine muscles for the task ahead, dilate cervixes at the appropriate time, allow restorative sleep while uncomfortable, provide activities to take minds off of the waiting, and remind those who feel stretched beyond what they can bear that this will not last forever. O merciful God, who remembers those you have borne, soothe the spirits of those who feel anxious, nourish the hearts of those who feel alone, and cast out all fears with your perfect love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.