Litany of Rachel’s Tears: A Prayer for the Holy Innocents and Aborted Babies
Leader: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning— Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more." Matthew 2:18Response: Lord, have mercy on the children who were never held.
For the infants of Bethlehem, slain by Herod’s fear: We remember their cries, silenced by power. R: Rachel, mother of sorrow, intercede for them.
For the unborn lost to abortion, known only to God: We mourn their absence and the silence that surrounds them. R: Rachel, mother of lament, weep with us.
For mothers who grieve in secret, burdened by shame or regret: We ask for healing, mercy, and the embrace of divine compassion.