liturgy for going on maternity leave

Esther Hughes offers a prayer for those on the eve of taking maternity leave

Father, I am approaching a big change, a new chapter. There are so many emotions at once:

Anticipation, relief, expectation, excitement, trepidation, tiredness (already!), dependence on you.

As I complete my final shifts at work,
Lord, help me to finish this season of work well.

To honour you in each task you have left for me to do.

To honour my patients and colleagues until the end of my last shift.

And as I finish, help me to shift my energy and focus – as I leave work and begin maternity leave,

You are preparing me for my next job, my new job, as Mum to a new baby!

As I have emulated your care and compassion as a nurse to my patients, I now have the privilege of mirroring you as a parent. You will stretch, grow and bless me in new ways!

Thank you, God, for walking with me each day of this pregnancy: for growing this precious child inside me, for sustaining me and for preparing me in advance for this new good work, nurturing and bringing up a child, for your glory.

Lord guide and strengthen me through each stage of waiting for and welcoming this new baby.

While my belly grows and my legs are weary, may I find my rest and strength in you. As my baby is and will be dependent on me, I am dependent on you, my Father.

Father, please bless this season away from my nursing work.
Amen.

Esther Hughes is a Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist.