Pro-Life Prayer

Prayer is the foundation of everything we do in defense of human life. The Bishops' Pro-Life office offers many prayer resources to aid you, your family, and your parish community to lift up hearts and minds to God for the protection of sacred human life. 

  • The U.S. Bishops called for pro-life petitions at every Mass in the “Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities.” Our Word of Life series is an easy way to implement this call in the parish.
  • Every January, thousands of pilgrims travel to Washington to pray together for an end to abortion at the National Prayer Vigil for Life. If you can't join us, consider holding your own vigil for the unborn. There’s even a “Mass For Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Human Life” in the Roman Missal that can be used on the annual day of penance on January 22.

Everyone can find a way to praise and thank God for the gift of life and to ask for protection for each sacred human life!

Prayers and Devotions

Blessings

The “Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb” was crafted to support parents awaiting the birth of their child, to encourage parish prayers for—and recognition of—the precious gift of the child in the womb, and to foster respect for human life within society. It may be offered within the context of the Mass as well as outside of Mass.

In January, many pro-life pilgrims travel to Washington, D.C. for the annual March for Life. You may have a group of pilgrims from your parish or school traveling to this national event. While not everyone is able to travel to the nation’s capital, countless local marches and rallies are hosted in cities and dioceses around the country. Blessings are available to send off and welcome back those traveling from your parish, school, or faith community.

Other Blessings:

Litanies

  • Litany for Liberty (en español)
    The Litany for Liberty reminds us to live out our faith in the freedom we have as children of God. 

  • Litany for Life
    This litany is based on 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8a that reminds us of the power of God's love throughout the struggles of this life.  

  • Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Life
    In the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Life, we ask Mary to pray for us as we journey through the joys and sorrows of life.

  • Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus
    In the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus, we proclaim the many names by which Jesus has been known to the faithful throughout history.

  • Litany of the Most Precious Blood
    Litany of the Most Precious Blood focuses on the real presence of Jesus Christ in the precious Blood. It can be prayed on the Feast of Corpus Christi or any Eucharistic feast.

  • Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
    The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a deep reflection on the compassion, wisdom, justice, and strength of the Heart of Jesus.