Church Resources
Celebrating God’s Plan: An Infant Adoption Ceremony
Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV
We are all brought together today to celebrate the adoption of [name], to praise God for His plan of adoption, and to pray for all of those involved in this precious child’s life.
Leader: This child has been loved by God from his/her earliest days. As the Psalmist writes, “For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” Psalm 139:13-14 NIV.
People: Lord, this is a child whom You have wonderfully and fearfully made. You are an awesome God!
Leader: We are thankful that God moved [birthmother’s name] to give her child the gift of life. She did not choose an abortion, which so many consider as the easy way out. We are thankful as well that [birthmother’s name] was led to make an adoption plan for her baby as an act of sacrificial love. Please pray that [birthmother’s name] may have peace and joy in her decision, and that she and [birthfather’s name] may find their hope and strength in the Lord.
People: We pray for [birthparents’ names]. Help them to feel good about this adoption, and to have the peace and joy that only You can give.
Leader: We are also thankful that it was God’s plan to allow [names of adoptive parents] to build their family through adoption. For them, this child is an answer to many prayers over many years.
People: We praise You for your answer to these prayers!
Leader: Before today, [birthmother’s name] and [names of adoptive parents] were on parallel journeys, and there were many painful moments for all taking this journey. [Birthmother’s name] faced the reality of an unplanned pregnancy and the difficult decision of making a plan for her child’s life. [Names of adoptive parents] faced the disappointment of infertility and the grieving associated with waiting years for a child. [Birthmother’s name] prayed that God would lead her to the right family for her child, and [names of adoptive parents] prayed for the unknown birthmother of their “child to be.”
People: O Lord, how marvelous are Your ways.
Leader: God has a plan for our lives. He knew the plan for [child’s name] before he/she was even formed. For as the Scripture says: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV. And as the Psalmist declares: “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” Psalm 139:16 NIV. It was God’s loving plan to bring this birthmom, this loving family, and this special child together today.”
People: We praise You for bringing these lives together in Your wonderful plan.
Leader: God also planned that this child would have the love and support of many others in his/her life—grandparents, adoption workers, a church family, relatives, and friends. All of these people want what is best for him/her, and some of these people have come together today to celebrate his/her adoption.
People: We pray that this child may continue to have the support, encouragement, and prayers of those who love him/her.
Leader: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!”
People: “His faithful love endures forever” Psalm 136:1 NIV.