Before the name is chosen, there is usually a prayer.

Father, we are holding a decision we cannot make perfectly. Give us wisdom without shame, and quiet the noise of opinion around us.

Help us choose thoughtfully rather than fashionably, and let the name we settle on carry meaning we would be glad to explain one day.

Lord, You are already at work in a life we have not met. Thank You that this child is known by You before being known by us.

Guard this pregnancy. Steady our fear. And prepare us for the person we are about to be given.

Lord, bless this child and keep them. Make Your face shine on them and be gracious to them.

Where we cannot go with them, go before them. Where we get it wrong, be their steady place.

Father, let this life be secure in being loved rather than in being impressive.

When the world tries to name them by their failures or their successes, let Your voice be louder.

Lord, we do not know what this life will be spent on, and we are not asking to know today.

Grow character before opportunity. Let their gifts serve people and not only themselves.

Lord, we received this life from You, and we give them back to You.

Before this family and before You, we commit to raising them toward faith rather than away from it.

Lord, I have carried my name for a long time without asking what I want it to stand for.

Teach me to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with You — and let that be what my name comes to mean.