Dear Deacon, Here is a question I hear quite often: "Shawn, why do we need to be praying when the abortion
center is closed and not just business hours? Isn't
that a waste of time?" First of all, time spent in prayer is time NEVER wasted. As Augustine says, "Silence is the accent of God." God
is always listening. And He often surprises us with
unexpected blessings -- even when the abortion facility
is closed for the day. Here are just a few examples.
-------------------------------------------------------
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
------------------------------------------------------- "I had the blessing today of going to Planned Parenthood
with my daughter, Kelly," Dave wrote. As they approached
this 40 Days for Life vigil location, Kelly noted that
Planned Parenthood was closed. "I reminded her that this was a 40-day vigil, and that
we needed to be faithful to that commitment. And I can
guarantee that, around the clock, abortions are taking
place somewhere in the world. Abortion is big business
and big business never rests." It was much quieter than usual, so Dave was more focused
on the prayers and meditations -- "and very attuned to
Kelly's participation. It was a wonderful experience." Dave’s suggestion: Go pray at the 40 Days for Life vigil
-- and bring your family. "It is a beautiful way to spend
an hour together, and the benefits are immeasurable for
yourself, your family, the Body of Christ, the mission
and the victims."
-------------------------------------------------------
EVERETT, WASHINGTON
------------------------------------------------------- Tom said he and Aaron were praying at the 40 Days for
Life vigil in Everett. "We saw that it was closed and
no one was around, but we knew that our standing there
praying would make a difference." Before long, a woman arrived and asked if she could
join them -- and of course they agreed. She said that
God had told her to join them. "She didn't really want
to," Tom said, "but she felt that she was being called." A bit later, a couple drove up. "The woman seemed to be
checking to see what the hours of the clinic were," he
said. "As they drove off I made it a point to wave and
smile. She did the same. I thought that was encouraging."
-------------------------------------------------------
PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK
------------------------------------------------------- Praying outside of Planned Parenthood on Sunday was
"very peaceful," said Nancy in Plattsburgh. "God did provide a few signal graces," she said. A van
drove by with the driver tooting the horn and waving in
support of prayer to end abortion. "I was getting ready to call it a day and three college
students came over and asked to talk," Nancy said.
"They admitted they were pro-choice. We had a great
conversation that lasted 30 minutes. The Holy Spirit
was with me the whole time, defending life in every
instance." She gave them information, shook hands with them and
said good-bye. "Their gears were really turning as
they walked away! I pray that the Holy Spirit planted
a big seed in their hearts." Nancy said it doesn't matter if Planned Parenthood
is open or not. "God will bring someone along that
needs Him." Today's devotional is from Rev. John Ensor of
Heartbeat International.
------------------------------------------------------
DAY 16 INTENTION
------------------------------------------------------ Pray for the mothers going into pregnancy help centers.
The personal care, the free ultrasound, the ongoing
practical help is designed to deliver them from those
who profit in shedding innocent blood.
------------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
------------------------------------------------------ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and
I will give you rest. -- Matthew 11:28
------------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Rev. John Ensor, Heartbeat International
------------------------------------------------------ "You have twins. That will be another $350." She did
not speak English. But she finally understood that
they were telling her to go get more money and return
for her abortion. She had already given them her rent money. But they
were not about to give her a two-for-one deal. They
told her to get dressed and return with more cash. A couple, who was praying outside, comforted her.
They brought her to their local pregnancy help center. The staff quickly saw that her personal circumstances
were so desperate, and immediate, that they would need
direct and ongoing help from local Christians and
churches. They started making calls. Then they did the ultrasound. It showed there was only
one baby, not two. This abandoned, immigrant, powerless
mother was being exploited. She would do whatever she
was told. Who would know? Who would care? God calls us to "Rescue the weak and the needy; and
deliver them from the hand of the wicked" (Psalm 82:4). When you provide an alternative to abortion you are
not only rescuing innocent babies, you are delivering
mothers from the wicked: those who profit in the
shedding of innocent blood. Pray for those who rescue
and deliver daily at your local pregnancy help center.
------------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
------------------------------------------------------ Father, hear our prayer! Snatch desperate mothers from
the fire. Bring them out of our abortion businesses
and into our pregnancy help centers. Deliver them from
evil. Use us to help them chose life and see your hand
of provision.
------------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
------------------------------------------------------ To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends: http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2011day16print.pdf ----------------------------------------------------- For Life, Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life PS: Please continue to share stories about the
40 Days for Life campaign in your community!
You may leave a comment on today's blog posting: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2379 40 Days for Life 10908 Courthouse Road
Suite 102229
Fredericksburg, VA
22408
US
