Heavenly Father,
giver of all life,
we give thee thanks for the birth of this child.
Receive him (her) into thy care and keeping;
guard and protect him (her) in all the days to come.
Grant to those who will raise this child
wisdom, patience, and love;
that in their home he (she) may learn of thee
and come to know thee as the source of all goodness.
May this child grow in body, mind, and spirit;
and at the last, bring him (her) to the joy of thy eternal kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
ECUMENICAL TRADITIONAL; BCP 1662 AND ECUMENICAL SOURCES
A Prayer for a Newborn
Also known as Baptismal Blessing ยท Prayer at the Birth of a Child
About this prayer
The birth of a child is marked by prayer across all Christian traditions. In Catholic and Orthodox practice, baptism is typically administered soon after birth, and the baptismal liturgy includes prayers for the child. In Anglican practice, the BCP provides a service of Public Baptism of Infants with specific prayers for the newly baptized. In Protestant traditions, the birth of a child is marked either by infant baptism or by a service of thanksgiving and dedication. The prayer given here is an ecumenical prayer suitable for use at the birth of a child or at a baptism or dedication service. It gives thanks for the gift of new life and asks for God's blessing and protection on the child through all the years ahead.
When it's said
This prayer is said at the birth of a child, at a baptism or christening service, or at a service of thanksgiving and dedication. It is used by the officiant on behalf of the congregation and parents. Many parents also say it privately in the days following a birth.
Notes on the text
The prayer uses 'him (her)' to indicate that the name and pronouns should be supplied for the specific child. In liturgical use the child's name is typically inserted: 'Receive this child, N., into thy care.' The reference to growing 'in body, mind, and spirit' echoes Luke 2:52, the description of Jesus's own growth as a child.
Source
Ecumenical prayer drawing on the Book of Common Prayer, 1662 Baptism service, and traditional Christian practice. Public domain.
Last reviewed: May 2026 against primary source.