THANKSGIVING PRAYER AFTER CHILDBIRTH In Temple times, mothers would offer a sacrifice after the birth of a child (Lev. 12:6–8). No record exists of a formal prayer offered on such occasions: there may have been no fixed text. Hannah’s prayer after the birth of Samuel (I Sam. 2:1–10) is, however, a powerful example of such a song of thanksgiving. The above prayer is composed of the following elements: (1) a prayer on entry to the synagogue; (2) verses of thanksgiving from Hallel; (3) the blessing “Who bestows good things” (HaGomel) together with the congregational response; and (4) prayers for recovery from the pains of birth, and for success in raising the child.