12 Powerful Bible Verses for Labor and how to use them
Like a lot of first time moms, I was really intimidated by how painful and intense my first baby’s birth was.
When I found out I was expecting our second baby, I knew I needed to learn how to cope with labor if we were to continue having kids!
I saw lists of Christian birth affirmations, and I had heard that Christian hypnobirthing is very helpful to some women, but I personally feel uncomfortable listening to a stranger speak affirmations over me. I find myself analyzing the affirmations to make sure they are really true.
That’s why I started collecting Bible verses for labor and delivery.
Unlike affirmations, I know the word of God is true, and I can meditate on it and believe it without any doubts creeping in.
I carefully collected these 12 Bible verses for labor with my second baby’s natural home birth (you can read her birth story here!).
I decided on 12 and chose some shorter and longer passages because labor can go on for a long time! I wanted enough content that it didn’t feel too repetitive to me, but still few enough that they could really sink in. I felt like the amount I had chosen really worked well during my labor!
Feel free to scroll down to get the references, but first I’ll also share some ways I have used these verses that have been helpful for me!
How to use these Verses in Birth and Preparation
✔️ Make flash cards out of them
I have an Etsy store, so when I made these flash cards I used them myself, gave many sets away, and put the rest up for sale.
They all sold out, so I made a printable version you can find here if you are interested!
I found that having flash cards with holes in them and putting them on a ring made it easy for me and my birth support team to use them!
✔️ Read them aloud to yourself for a devotional and meditate on them.
✔️ Copy them out by hand.
✔️ Give them to your birth team in advance to read to you during labor.
✔️ Hang them up in your birth space where you can see them.
James 1: 2-5
This verse meant a lot to me because it encouraged me to be steadfast during labor. It was also a timely reminder to ask God for wisdom when we were confronted with decisions around managing the labor.
Psalm 7:11-12
The imagery of being underneath and surrounded by God’s favor and protection was very comforting to me during my baby’s birth.
John 16:21-22
This verse was a wonderful reminder that I was laboring for the joy of meeting my baby, and would soon forget all about the pain I felt!
It also reminded me of my eternal hope in Jesus Christ, and what he suffered for me.
Isaiah 40:11
This reminder that he gently leads those that are with young was extremely comforting to me.
Psalm 139:13-16
This verse was a timely reminder that God has designed my baby, as well as the whole birthing process and it is intricate and amazing!
It was also a reminder that the day of laboring to birth my baby was ordained in advance for me to live.
Isaiah 43:1b-3a
This was a comforting reminder that I would not be consumed or overwhelmed by the labor pains, and that God was with me.
Psalm 121: 1-3, 5-8
I chose this verse as a reminder to seek the Lord for help while in labor.
I also loved the portion about “your going out and your coming in” which seemed to mirror the rhythmic contractions to me.
Hebrews 12:1-2
This verse meant the most to me out of all of them. It brought me to tears to think that Jesus suffered far more for me than I did for my baby.
It was a reminder that the joy set before me was meeting my baby, and the joy set before Jesus when he went to the cross was to bring many sons to glory!
Lamentations 3:22-26
Once again this verse was a reminder that the labor pains would not consume me, and to seek God for help during birth.
Isaiah 26:3-4
This verse encouraged me to set my mind on God and trust him during the process.
Isaiah 40:30-31
I loved this verse being read to me when I was in labor. I did feel weak and faint. It encouraged me that God was able to strengthen me to endure the process.
I hope these Bible verses for labor are a help and encouragement to you!
If you have any other Bible verses for labor to share, please put them in the comments!