If you just gave birth, then baby cries, last minute runs for groceries, and constant exhaustion might be your “new normal.” No matter what your birth story looked like, how good your marriage is, or how much support you’ve received, you can still feel stressed, tired, and maybe even a bit anxious.

Here’s the good news—you’re not alone! Motherhood, a job transition, or even just the busyness that consumes our lives causes weariness. That’s why it’s important to learn to rest well and make time for recovery. Even Jesus went away to pray.

Rest stop

Imagine you’re on a long car ride to your favorite vacation destination. After five hours, you’re more than a little tired, sore, and let’s face it, probably “hangry,” too. Suddenly, you spot a rest stop in the distance. You’re able to pull over, stretch your legs, and get some much needed fresh air and food.

We all need “rest stops” in our lives. God never meant for the Christian life to become so consumed with stress and worry that our souls reach empty. Running on fumes is exhausting and leaves us unable to give our best to our family, our friendships, and our daily tasks.

Knowing how to rest is just as important as knowing how to change a diaper or cook dinner. That’s why Scriptures about rest highlight the importance of sitting at Jesus’ feet to draw from the living water and satisfying our weary souls.

Promised Land

We all want rest. So did the Israelites! They wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. That’s a long time to never have a place to truly call “home.” They dreamed of the Promised Land, a place flowing with what they needed and with what their hearts desired.

Even after their disobedience, God never gave up on the Israelites. He, too, wanted to bring them into a restful place where they could settle and thrive.

What’s your “Promised Land”? Maybe it’s a few moments of peace, a nap after a night staying up with a newborn, or a chat with a friend. Regardless of the reason, God wants to bring you to new levels of peace and provision.

Sabbath

We’re called to rest in the Lord. But rest and recovery doesn’t come by striving. We’ve subconsciously believed a very persuasive—though well-meaning—lie. In our culture, worth equals work. We assume if we’re not working, then our needs will go unnoticed. After all, who will get the bills paid, the kids dressed, and the laundry folded?

There’s nothing inherently wrong with being a faithful servant who works hard and strives for excellence. But we can either work from a place of restlessness or restfulness.

The Bible points out that resting is a requirement for work. Yes, you read that right. Rest is a requirement. After creating the world, God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). He even went so far as to set apart the seventh day of every week for His people to find restoration (Exodus 20:8-11). He knows our restless hearts and desires to soothe them with healing only He can provide.

“Come to me all who are weary”

God talks about rest in the Bible because He understands the intricacy of our souls. He knows that the new mom and dad need a resting place for heart, soul, mind, and body.

Infertility is a whole lot of nothing. An awful, painful nothing.

That it is nothing is not what makes it awful but that it exists in place of the most significant something we can ever hope for: a newborn child. Just when we are ready and inspired to begin, we face, almost immediately, the exact opposite of our hopes: nothing.

But as painful as this “nothing” is, it is still a beginning, for indeed God created everything out of nothing. It’s just not quite the beginning we had expected for ourselves. So, hope is not lost, because infertility precedes fertility.

While you wait, use the time wisely and in prayer. If you don’t know how to pray about this, don’t worry—there are plenty of prayers to get pregnant all over the internet.

So that you can begin praying to conceive, we’ve written a few for you here. Use these prayers for pregnancy however you like. Recite them as they are or let the words inspire your own prayers for fertility. But whatever you do, make them your prayers, offering them up to God as a sweet aroma.

A fertility prayer while patiently waiting

Father in Heaven, I, your daughter, am grieved by a most unwelcome interruption. I stand, stalled, before a depressing reality. The height, breadth, and depth of its wall I cannot scale, bypass, or tear down.

I am stuck, waiting to love my child, and I don’t know what to do. Where tears of joy should be, tears of sadness now sit and fall.

Remember me, Abba, in compassion and lovingkindness. Pick me up, as you have so many times before, and wait with me. Remind me, Lord, of your love for me, and that everything will be all right. Grant that I would not grow weary or weak during this season and that it would pass swiftly. Close my ears to the enemy’s lies, and continue to encourage me in Your truth.

Open my soul to hope and confidence, and continue my journey toward motherhood. Until then, my Lord and my God, I will wait on you. Amen.

A prayer to conceive life

O Great Father, You are the source of all life, for You are life itself. Your heart is ever fixed on giving life and giving it abundantly. You conceive it. You deliver it. And you keep it safe in your embrace.

You teach me continually what it means to be a source of life, what it means to give life to others, without expecting anything in return. My heart now longs for its ultimate physical expression: a child.

Be gracious to me, Father, and listen to me, your daughter, for I have no life apart from You, and no purpose but to be Your servant. Open Your hand, and satisfy the desire of all those who wish to bring forth life.

Allow me to conceive, deliver and embrace a child, just as You have conceived, delivered, and embraced me. In loving and knowing my child I will come to know you better, and I will love You all the more for it. Amen.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
[1 Thessalonians 5:16-18]

God is doing beautiful work within you, and your unborn child is a gift. Psalm 127:3 (NLT) says, “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.”

Motherhood can be intimidating, and it’s normal to be anxious about the future of your unborn child. It’s important to connect with God and bring our praises, worries, and requests to Him.

We asked some CHM moms to share their prayers for wisdom, strength, peace, and protection. Here are their prayers.

Prayers for peace

Lauren and Stanley

“God, I thank You for the tiny little blessing that is my child. From the very beginning, You have walked beside me, guiding every step. I ask that You equip and teach me to be the mother you designed me to be. When my heart is troubled, anxious, or scared, I pray that Your Holy Spirit guides me to Your peace. Through the valleys and the mountains, remind me that You are near. I pray that You protect this child with Your mighty hands and that they know they are loved by You. Lord, I give this child to you. I trust Your will for their life.”

Lauren Hunter

Prayers for wisdom

Katlyn with Michaela

“Heavenly Father, I praise Your name for the depth of Your wisdom. What a joyful life for the one who understands Your ways and follows Your steps. When I think about the workings of all Your creation, what awe fills my heart!

In Your wisdom, You created a world of order and of beauty. As this little one grows each day, will You instill in their spirit a passion for learning who You are and the wisdom You display throughout Scripture? Will You stir in their hearts a ravenous hunger for Your Word, Your truth, and Your love? Help me to see the fun and creative ways of increasing their knowledge of You. Thank you for the privilege You’ve given me of being this child’s parent.

I’m grateful for this gift, and I pray that each day we have together, we grow in our love for You. Amen.”

Katlyn Stryker

“Lord, each day You lovingly and faithfully craft and form this child in my womb, and You do so with purpose. Each soul has a purpose in life, and I pray that You use this child to grow my relationship with You. As we walk this journey together—You and I as Creator and creation—will You prepare my heart to be a parent worthy of the honor of knowing and raising my child? Will You help me show this little one the fullness of Your love and kindness? God, I lay in Your hands this gift You’ve given me, and I ask that You work in me today and every day forward, even as You’re working in the life of my baby, so that we may know You in a deeper way. Amen.”

Katlyn Stryker

As a woman of God, you can look to the godly women of Scripture for inspiration. They shared human weaknesses and virtues while persevering in faith. Their stories are as old as Eve and as unique as Ruth, Sarah, Esther, and other women of the Old Testament.

The New Testament offers insights from women who were part of Christ’s life. The stories of Elizabeth, Anna, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Nazareth, and others don’t fit predictable molds.

They were single, married, or widowed. Some were poor, forgotten, or banished. Others were wealthy and powerful. Some lived a virtuous life, while others had lost their way. Most stepped up and answered Christ’s call to a more selfless, God-centered life.

“Martha, Martha!” Christ’s lesson on listening.

Many women sympathize with Martha. She opened her door to Jesus and His disciples. She whipped up a meal and waited on her guests. Mary sat at our Lord’s feet and listened to every word.

The disciples may have talked about travels, fishing, or the weather as they enjoyed Martha’s meal. More likely, however, Christ’s authority and the power of His words commanded their attention. This was often the case whether Christ was at home, in the Temple, in a boat, at a wedding, or on a hillside. He still speaks to us through prayer, Scripture, and the Spirit. When Christ speaks, listening is always the first priority.

Ideas that may increase fertility naturally

You’ve tried to get pregnant and prayed for a baby for months or even longer. But despite big dreams of a little one, the answer is still, “Not yet.”

If you find it hard to get pregnant, you’re not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 11% of women have fertility problems during their reproductive years. In addition to preparing your body for conception, healthy steps can help you get pregnant naturally.

Some women try natural remedies such as liver cleanses, detox formulas, or organic progesterone creams to get pregnant faster. However, the research is inconclusive. Ask your doctor before trying new remedies or making health and lifestyle changes. You’ll get customized, safe options to help you get pregnant faster.

God’s perfect timing

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
[Psalm 5:3, NIV]

Waiting and hoping to get pregnant can be humbling and even heartbreaking. But Christ reminds us to model a child’s faith, trust and humility (Mathew 18:2-4). God loves you even more than you’ll love any children He may bring into your life. If you’re worried about getting pregnant, keep praying and trust the Lord with childlike faith. Then rest assured that He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Bright eyes and rosy cheeks aren’t just for babies

Good health translates to good fertility. Simple measures – from choosing prenatal vitamins to positive lifestyle changes – can help increase fertility naturally. By staying healthy and well-nourished, you’ll create a nurturing space for conception.

Fertility is complex and highly individual. Your doctor will evaluate your personal health and medical history before discussing fertility-enhancing options.

What are the top Christian baby names for 2024? If you want to start a family or your family is growing, it’s not too early to think of meaningful or unique names that match your faith and hopes for your little one.

Whether you’re interested in a trendy name or prefer a timeless one, Bible names are great options. Wherever your path and prayers lead you, enjoy the journey! Choosing a baby name is just the beginning of your parenting adventure.

Choosing a Christian name for your baby

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” (NLT)
[James 1:5]

Choosing the right name for your tiny bundle of joy is a tall order! As always, wise decisions start with prayer. Names and meanings are important in the Bible and are still important today. Being prayerful about what to name your newborn can be a blessing to them both now and in the future.

Whatever name you choose, it will be like every gift from God—blessed, loved, and perfect. 

2024 trending baby names

According to Nameberry.com, a popular baby-naming site, Bible-inspired names that have long been popular include Jacob, Noah, and Elizabeth. More recently, Nameberry editors suggest Old Testament names are popular baby boy names, such as Abraham, Moses, Jonah, and Abel. New Testament girl names, like Phoebe, Lydia, and Tabitha are also rising in popularity.

Popular Christian baby girl names

Christian parents often name their daughters after women of faith who exemplify Biblical virtues and values. They may appreciate the wisdom of Deborah, the mercy of Miriam, or the strength of Sarah.

This is a list of good Biblical and faith-inspired names for girls in 2024:

1. 1
   Ada

   An alternative to Ava and part of the trend toward simple, old-fashioned names that begin with a vowel. In Hebrew, Ada means “adornment.”

2. 2
   Chloe

   A beautiful name that depicts an image of vitality. In Hebrew, Chloe means green shoot/herb, signifying growth and life.

3. 3
   Delilah

   Delilah is a beautiful and intriguing name. In Hebrew, Delilah means delicate/weakened, likely because the Delilah of Scripture used her delicate nature as a form of strength, weakening her people’s biggest threat.

4. 4
   Eden

   In Hebrew, Eden means heaven, asylum, or a safe space. Eden was God’s intended version of our world before the corruption of sin and was likely to have been an otherworldly beauty.

5. 5
   Esther

   A name that signifies strength and boldness. Scripture shows that Esther put herself in a dangerous position to protect her people.

Just in case those aren’t what you were looking for, Hannah (meaning: favor, grace), Jael (meaning: to be useful), Lois (meaning: better), Noa (meaning: restful, motion), and Phoebe (meaning: pure, radiant) round out the rest of the top ten.

The long-anticipated time is here. The work of creation God’s completing within you is nearly done. 

Prepare for your life to change forever—it’s almost time to meet your child. 

The long-anticipated time is here. God’s work of creation within you is nearly done. The birthing process is beautiful, especially when you think of the end result of snuggling your sweet newborn baby. But it’s also scary. You might ask yourself, “Will I be strong enough? Brave enough? What if something goes wrong”? [Genesis 3:16, ESV] promises pain in childbirth, and it’s natural to feel fear walking into it with that knowledge.

But God didn’t give you a fearful spirit [2 Timothy 1:7, NIV], and He wants you to put your confidence in Him. Easier said than done, right? So how do you let go of fear and step boldly into motherhood?

Power of prayer

Never underestimate the power of prayer. Through Jesus, you have a direct line to God, with whom you can develop a relationship, lift your praises, and bring your requests. He wants you to approach Him confidently because He wants to help you in your time of need [Hebrews 4:16, NIV].

Acts 4:23-31, NIV provides an excellent example of how to pray when you’re scared. Peter and John were arrested for performing miracles and preaching the Gospel to the Jewish people. Faced with persecution, they prayed not for protection and safety but for courage and boldness to step out in faith, trusting that God would take care of the rest.

As you prepare for delivery, you might be dealing with anxiety. Perhaps you’re nervous things will go wrong or scared it will be too painful. You’re not alone in those feelings, and you’re not stepping into that delivery room alone. God is with you, and God is in control. 

Pray for courage and boldness, and trust God to take care of the rest.

1 John 5:14, NIV says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” We are not promised everything we ask for, but we are promised God hears the prayers that align with His will.”

Asking God for faith, trust, and courage is within His will for us. He wants us to trust Him, and trust and faith translate into boldness. Scripture backs this up.

• “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold” [2 Corinthians 3:12, ESV]
• “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him” [Ephesians 3:12, ESV].
• “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive” [Hebrews 10:35-36, NIV].

While the outcome might be uncertain, God’s love and sovereignty are certain.

Praying for others is another way to keep your mind off your fears. Pray for your husband as he steps into fatherhood. Pray that God will give him the wisdom to support you and lead your family. Pray for your child to open their heart to God and live a life that brings glory to Him.

Finally, keep an attitude of gratitude. When you lift your prayers to God, lift them with a spirit of thanksgiving and praise. What follows is a peace that transcends our worldly understanding [Philippians 4:6-7, NIV].

Fearfully and wonderfully made

When fear of the unknown becomes too much to handle, remind yourself of these truths:

• You and your child are both fearfully and wonderfully made [Psalm 139:14, NIV].
• God holds a deep love for you [1 John 4:16, NIV].

God has a plan for you and your child. Every life, regardless of how long or short, plays a part in His grand design. While the outcome might be uncertain, God’s love and sovereignty are certain. God is good, even when things don’t go according to our plan. 

God created women to be strong and resilient. You have more strength than you may realize. And at the end of it all, you get to meet your baby. John 16:21, NIV says, “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come, but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” Be strong, be bold, and embrace the joy that comes on the other side.

Wanting a child can feel lonely. Proverbs says “the barren womb” is never satisfied [Proverbs 30:15]. You may be hoping to conceive for the first time, trying for another child, or fearing your next pregnancy will end in miscarriage. Whether it’s been two months, two years, or a long season of waiting, know that God is with you.

As your mind and body are wrestling with the physical aspects and working to cope with the stress and impact on your marriage, your soul needs nourishment too. The intellectual part of your mind needs to process the truth of God’s word, and the more emotional parts of your soul and spirit also need to soak in God’s presence to find comfort, hope, and strength.

God cares

God created human beings to “be fruitful and multiply” [Genesis 1:28]. Creating and carrying new life in your body is a reflection of God’s very nature as Creator. Conceiving and giving birth to a child is a beautiful example of how God has uniquely designed women and their role in procreation.

However, throughout human history, many women have struggled to conceive—even women who knew God and were following Him. Perhaps you can identify with Sarah (Genesis 16), Rachel (Genesis 29), Hannah (1 Samuel 1), or Elizabeth (Luke 1). Like these would-be mothers of old, you may wonder why God seems to bless other women with children, but you aren’t experiencing the same.

God eventually blessed each of the above-mentioned women with a child. Will He do the same for you? I’ve talked with women who wonder if their struggle to conceive is God’s punishment for something they’ve done or not done. Some try to find the right prayer or the right person to pray over them so they will conceive.

It’s right to pray for a child. “Children are a gift from the Lord” [Psalm 127:3, NLT]. And for those who do have a child, it’s right to thank God for that new life. When I was delivering babies, I’d often say to new parents, “Every new life is a miracle. A new baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on.”

And if you’re struggling to conceive, it doesn’t mean God is against you. After all, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” [Romans 8:31, NIV]. He is for you regardless of your circumstances. To paraphrase Paul’s words, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Shall infertility or pregnancy loss? [Paraphrased from Romans 8:35, KJV].

God’s presence

Even when your intellect knows those true Biblical statements, your emotional self may still struggle. God’s presence with you offers comfort, strength, healing, and hope for both your intellectual and emotional self. He’s not waiting for you to get it all together; He’s right with you even in the midst of your struggle. Scripture shows God being uniquely close to those who are troubled:

• “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”—[Psalm 34:18 NIV]
• “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”—[Psalm 147:3 NIV]

God invites you to bring your deepest burdens to Him. Believers in Scripture did just that; Moses, David, Jeremiah, Mary and Martha, and others. Many of the Psalms demonstrate how God invites you to share your anger, pain, loneliness, desperation, anxiety, fear, or questions. You need to hold nothing back.

Imagine Jesus sitting with you as you struggle to conceive. God’s presence never lessens; He’s with you always, regardless of the journey’s end. Open your soul to Him. Perhaps write Him a letter expressing all that’s on your heart. Picture Him in the room with you.  What look is on His face? What do you want to tell Him? Is He saying anything to you?

Soaking in God’s presence should become a regular practice. Don’t run away from Him—run to Him. It’s good to continue to let your requests be made known to God [Philippians 4:6]. But once you ask, don’t immediately get up and leave. Stay there a little longer and listen. As your heart becomes still, you can receive “encouragement in Christ [and] comfort from love” [Philippians 2:1]. 

Regardless

God will bless you, either with conceiving a child or with a blessing of a different nature. Sometimes He blesses by showing up as you are in the fire of infertility, as He did with the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). Jesus’ promise to you is, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” [Hebrews 13:5, ESV].

Perhaps your testimony will be, “For this child I have prayed” [1 Samuel 1:27]. Or perhaps your testimony will be, “None of these things move me” [Acts 20:24].

Embrace your feelings about not—or not yet—having a baby. Bring those emotions to Jesus. Be real with Him. And then direct your feelings instead of following them. Instead, follow Him and anything He tells you to do. Listen for His voice and soak in God’s presence.

May you invite Jesus to walk every step of this journey of trying to conceive with you. And may you sense God’s presence guiding and comforting you today, tomorrow, and every day.