Dear Deacon, It's picture day again today! I've heard from many of you who say it's the pictures
that help you stay connected with the campaign as you
pray and fast in solidarity with those who are
physically present at the abortion centers. Believe me -- it's the prayers of ALL OF YOU -- joined
together as one – that God has heard and answered!
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STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN
------------------------------------------------------- This is the sixth 40 Days for Life campaign in Sterling
Heights, and this time it's had a definite family flavor. For family-focused prayer vigils every Sunday afternoon,
the team put together a prayer book with scripture
reflections, pro-life meditations and songs. "It's been such a blessing to have many families join
us in prayer," said one Sterling Heights team member.
"People drive up when they see our group ... and ask us
what's going on. This gives us a great opportunity to
explain our 40 Days for Life campaign and share the
truth of Jesus!" To see photos of 40 Days for Life in Sterling Heights,
please go to:http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1968
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CINCINNATI, OHIO
------------------------------------------------------- Theresa sent some pictures that show the many faces of
40 Days for Life in Cincinnati. She and her husband, Joe, got involved in 40 Days for
Life three years ago. "We pray daily for conversion of those who are pro-
choice," she said, "and give thanks to our Lord for
those who are defending the unborn -- for those who've
said 'yes' to God's call." Theresa said she's thankful for "the many blessings
that the campaigns have brought to our lives -- simply
by offering us an opportunity to pray together as a
nation -- and then some! God bless all of you!" For pictures of the 40 Days for Life vigil in
Cincinnati, please go to:http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1968
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MADRID, TOLEDO AND VALENCIA SPAIN
------------------------------------------------------- We also have pictures from three of the ten cities in
Spain that are taking part in their first-ever 40 Days
for Life events. In Madrid, the prayer presence has been expanding
throughout the campaign. Often, of course, there are just a few people praying.
But one day recently, more than 60 turned out "to pray
for an end to abortion in Spain and around the world." Toledo is known as a city of faith, and that faith has
been visible in the homes and the streets during 40 Days
for Life. "Each day is a new adventure," said one of the
Toledo team members, noting the ever-changing weather.
Passersby often come to ask questions, and some even
join the prayers. In Valencia, vigil participants were surprised by the
arrival of an angry man who yelled and cursed at them.
The volunteers, however, just kept praying. "This a sign that we are stirring consciences up, which
is what this is about," said Alfredo in Valencia. "They
bark, and we ride on." To see the pictures of 40 Days for Life vigils in Spain,
please go to:http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1968
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SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN
------------------------------------------------------- Mike in Southfield sent a photo of a priest leading a
small group in prayer. "They look cold and miserable in the rain," said Mike.
"They weren't deterred by the weather -- and they were
blessed by a passing motorist." This woman was so amazed to see people praying in the
rain she had to stop and find out what was going on. She
stayed, joined the prayers -- and promised to come back
with people from her church. Another photo shows a group from Sacred Heart Major
Seminary in Detroit, who led prayer in front of the
abortion facility. "We have been witnessing a wonderful
weekly turnout from the seminarians," Mike said. "Praise God for the work he is doing in the hearts of
our future priests!" For photos of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Southfield,
please go to:http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1968
Today's devotional is from Rev. Paul Stallsworth,
president of Lifewatch (United Methodist Church).
------------------------------ ------------------------
DAY 32 INTENTION
------------------------------------------------------ May we come to know that divine life, in relationship,
creates human life.
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SCRIPTURE
------------------------------------------------------ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning
with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him
nothing was made that was made. -- John 1:1-3
------------------------------ ------------------------
REFLECTION by Rev. Paul Stallsworth, Lifewatch
------------------------------------------------------ "In the beginning" was God. Always, before all times, there was God. This particular God -- the God of the Bible, the God
of St. John's Gospel -- is different from all other
gods. This God is alive and full of life. This God is not the picture of deadness and death,
aloneness and isolation. This God is the picture of life, relationship, and
unity. For within this God, within this one God, there
are three divine persons who live, who love, and who
work -- together. This is the glorious mystery of the
Trinity. The Trinity means divine life. The Trinity means
three, living Persons -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
-- who relate to each other. The Trinity means mutual
love and service among three Persons. The Word was always with God the Father. This Word
was, is, and will be the Trinity's second person. The
Word is also the Son of God or, as revealed in time,
Jesus Christ. God the Father and God the Son live, love, and work
for each other. As one, they create "all things"
together: the Father creates all things, including all
human life, through the Son. So the Father, through the Son, creates all human
lives. The little one swimming in his mother's womb,
the infant smiling in his father's arms, the child
crying in pain in a hospital bed, the energetic teen
running another mile, the old man gasping for his last
breath -- all were created, at their beginning, by the
Father through the Son. No exceptions. Divine life creates human life.
------------------------------ ------------------------
PRAYER
------------------------------------------------------ O God, may we always be quick to call you Father. And
when we call you father, let your Spirit remind us
that we, and all people, from their beginning to their
last day, are your children. We praise you, Father, that you sent your Son to
reveal to the world that all people are His brothers
and sisters, that all people are your children.
Through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
------------------------------ ------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
------------------------------------------------------ To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:http://40daysforlife.com/docs/spring2011day32print.pdf
------------------------------ ------------------------ Yours for Life, Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life PS: How is 40 Days for Life changing your community?
Your church? How is it changing YOU? Please reply to
today's blog entry with your good news:http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1968 40 Days for Life 10908 Courthouse Road
Suite 102229
Fredericksburg, VA
22408
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