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7 Uplifting Prayers for Welcoming a New Family Member

7 Uplifting Prayers for Welcoming a New Family Member

Lots of people have a memory of a new baby sibling coming home from the hospital, or of meeting a newly adopted family member. For me, I vividly remember the day my family adopted a dog. We found her as a starving puppy with matted fur in a country churchyard. She had been abandoned.

At the time, (I was six), I was uncomfortable with the idea of bringing a dog home, especially one that wiggled and ran free. In my childish mind, I thought the little puppy wanted to eat my leg or knock me down. However, my mother insisted, and we drove the long winding country roads back to the city with the dog in tow. That day, Beauty became a member of our family – and what a change it caused! The puppy grew into a dog who gradually stole my heart. She became my beloved best friend for twelve years of my childhood and teenage years. Although she passed away in 2016, I still count Beauty as a part of my family.

At such monumental occasions in life, we need prayers to express our praise and feelings to God. He cares that new people, and animals, are entering our families and homes. The following are seven such prayers to use for a variety of occasions.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Tyler Nix

  • A newborn baby

    1. A Prayer for the Arrival of a New Baby

    Bringing a baby home from the hospital evokes a variety of emotions. First-time parents can feel excited for the journey ahead, but also struggle with nervousness. For those who have multiple children, the other siblings may feel happy to finally meet their little sister or brother whom they have waited so long to see. Though, they could worry if their parents will have time for them. These emotions can often be entwined.

    This is why prayer is so vital during this time of transition and new beginnings. God does not want believers to walk the path of parenthood alone, or for other children to feel overlooked. We can bring Him our joys and worries because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

    The following is a prayer for the arrival of a precious new baby. It can be adapted to specific situations or used as a starting place for private prayers.

    Giver of every good gift, thank you for the arrival of this new baby. [He or She] was lovingly crafted by You and bears Your image. May you help us to love this child, [and all our children], with a love that reflects You. We feel inadequate for the task and are sometimes overwhelmed by anxiety. Please give us strength and encouragement for the journey ahead and let us never forget that You are with us as our perfect Heavenly Father.

    In Your Son’s name, we pray.

    Amen.

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Mongkolchon Akesin

  • A young girl sitting with two adults, completing adoption process

    2. A Prayer for a Newly Adopted Child Entering the Family

    Adoption is a wonderful blessing to children and families and reflects God’s character in adopting us as His children (John 1:12-13; Ephesians 1:5). No longer does the child have to worry if they will be provided for and loved. They will have the caring support of a family.  

    Those who are welcoming a newly adopted child into their home need to take time to pray for the child. He or she could be feeling nervous about entering a new environment or starting a new school. Parents can ask God to help the child and the rest of the family adjust and find peace in the new home.  

    To get started, consider using this prayer or adapting it: 

    Lord, in Your love, You have adopted us as sons and daughters and given us the priceless gift of salvation. I praise You for this opportunity to open my home and heart to a child through adoption. My prayer is for [him or her] to feel loved, safe, and to know that [he or she] belongs. Help this child as [he or she] adjusts to our new life. May my presence be grace-filled, knowing when to engage and when to give space. More than anything, may my love point [him or her] to You.

    Amen.

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/fstop123

  • Parents with adult children

    3. A Prayer for Meeting Future Parents-in-Law

    When two people get married, their lives are not the only things that change. The husband and wife are entering new families. Their tribe will now encompass a new set of parents-in-law, as well as the brothers and sisters of the spouse, and other extended members of the family. Holiday gatherings and special events will never be the same!  

    But before that, the husband or bride-to-be must meet the future in-laws. Such meetings are important because parents are significant in the lives of individuals. For this reason, these are often stressful times, since both parties can worry about what others will think of them.  

    The man or woman can take his or her concerns to the Lord. Although the reactions of the future parents-in-law are not in either the fiancé or fiancée’s control, there is an opportunity to express kindness and grace. To shine a light for Jesus and demonstrate His love to others. Marriage is, after all, meant to serve as an illustration of Christ’ love for the church (Ephesians 5:25-33).   

    A husband or bride-to-be could say this prayer before meeting his or her future in-laws:  

    Lord Jesus, I am anxious about meeting my future in-laws. I fear they may not like me or approve of the match. Regardless of how they respond, help me to greet them in love and kindness. May they see how much I love their [son or daughter] and want to spend my life serving the Lord with [him or her]. I pray my actions and speech would be pleasing to You, my Savior.

    Amen.

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/DGLimages

  • Parents talking with child

    4. A Prayer of Love and Peace for Stepchildren

    Stepparents have regularly been given a bad image in the media. Lots of people think of the evil villains and witches of fairytale movies when they hear the word “stepmother.” Sadly, this has led to misconceptions about stepparenting and ignores the individuals who desire to love their spouse’s children as a member of the family.   

    This is not to dismiss the struggles that children often face when being integrated into a new family. Those who have seen their parents go through a divorce may have strong emotions about what happened. Or, even if the remarriage comes several years after the death of a parent, the new marriage could bring up feelings of grief. Such situations are not easy but require time and patience.  

    For the believer who desires the best for new stepchildren, he or she wants to be hospitable and kind while creating a loving home for everyone. One of the best places to start in this endeavor is to pray. Then, the individual does not have to be overwhelmed but can find peace in the Lord (Philippians 4:6-7).   

    Loving God, I ask You today to help comfort my stepchildren if they are having a variety of emotions with this new situation. Grant them peace and a knowledge of Your unchanging love. I am not trying to take the place of their [mother or father], but to love them fully in the position I am in as their [stepmom or stepdad]. Help them to see that, despite any pain they might feel. May You work through me to show kindness and make them feel as much at home as possible.

    In Jesus’ name, amen.

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Mayur Kakade

  • Boy and pet dog

    5. A Prayer for Welcoming a Dog, Cat, or Other Pet into the Family

    From the very beginning of creation, God gave humans the job of being stewards over creation, including animals (see Genesis 1:28). Although we often think of this relationship in terms of humans caring for animals ethically, it also involves much more. Those who have pets know that animals can become an irreplaceable part of the family. Friendship with animals provides a foretaste of Christ’s Kingdom when all animals will live in peace with each other, and with humans (Isaiah 11:6).

    Of course, bringing in a pet as a new member of the family requires careful consideration. Children are often excited at the prospect of a puppy to play with, a cat to stroke, or a fish to watch in its tank, but not as enthusiastic about cleaning dog bowls or being on litter box duty. The joy of a new furry friend comes with a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.

    As kids excitedly meet their new pet and family member, parents and children alike can pray and thank God for this animal.

    Lord, You are the Creator of all things, including the animals. We thank You for bringing this pet into our lives as a new member of the family. Help us to love and care for this new friend in a way that honors You. May we catch glimpses of Your love through the blessing of this pet. We look forward to the day when we will live in similar friendship with all animals and creation on the New Earth.

    In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/ulkas

  • Big sister cuddled up with baby brother, taking a nap

    6. A Prayer for Children as New Siblings Come Home

    Getting a new sister or brother is an eventful time for children. For so long, the child has waited to meet the new sibling, either as the baby grew in his or her mother’s womb, or while awaiting the finalization of adoption. Finally, the child will have a little brother or sister to play with, talk to, and teach.

    As much as the arrival of a new sibling is a joyful occasion, some children can also feel a mixture of emotions. They may struggle with jealousy because parents will spend extra time with the new baby, or they might not appreciate the rearrangement of rooms. The entire family will need time to adjust to the new schedules and arrangements – a process that does not have to be done alone.

    Parents can pray for their other children when a new sibling comes home, asking God to help the little ones if they are struggling, and to have patience if situations get stressful. Just as parenting is a job that brings blessing and challenges, being a brother or sister can also involve joy and stress.

    Loving Savior, You know the emotions in my family’s heart today. This is a day of rejoicing, but I know that my children may also struggle with other feelings at the arrival of a new sibling. May every one of these precious kids know they are loved, and may You help me love them with the love You have shown me. I thank You that I am never alone in this journey.

    Amen.

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Natalia Lebedinskaia

  • Woman helping elderly man

    7. A Prayer for When You “Adopt” a Friend or Elderly Neighbor as Family

    When I was growing up, I did not know much of my extended family. My mother, though, was a kind and generous person who wanted to ensure others were included and loved. She unofficially “adopted” my father’s elderly friend as our “uncle” and another family friend as our “aunt.” Multiple individuals whom I viewed as part of my family had no biological or legal relation to me, but they became important people in my life.  

    In my mother’s kindness I caught glimpses of God’s extravagant love. At salvation, God lovingly adopts us as His children. We who were once rebels have been made sons and daughters (Galatians 4:4-5). And Gentiles (non-Jews) who were once far away have now been brought near (Ephesians 2:13-17). In Christ, whether Gentile or Jew, we are all One and members of God’s family.  

    None of us should underestimate the impact that we can make by “adopting” a friend or neighbor as a member of our family. The lonely receive the gift of fellowship with others. Those who feel forgotten are reminded that they matter. And we receive the honor of being blessed by these relationships. Such “adoptions” point to God’s work of placing the lonely in families (Psalm 68:6).    

    Lord, You are the One who places the lonely into families and makes us Your own. Because of what You have done in my life, I choose today to treat [my friend or elderly neighbor] as a member of my family, to care for and love them as I would a mother, father, sister, or brother. May they feel welcome and included in my home and during special family events.

    In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

    Photo credit: ©Getty Images/FredFroese

    Sophia BrickerSophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry, which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, and an MFA in creative writing. You can follow her blog about her story, faith, and creativity at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page.