Dear Deacon John,
God
answers prayer. We might not always get to see His hand in action. But
there is no doubt that when we pray, He listens. Always!
Here are just a couple of examples.
Here are just a couple of examples.
Schenectady, New York
Viviane
said some of the Schenectady prayer volunteers were asking if the vigil
in front of Planned Parenthood was making a difference. It didn't take
long for them to get an answer.
A man visited early one morning to talk to vigil participants. The week before, he and his girlfriend had spoken to a woman who showed them fetal models, letting them know exactly what their baby looked like at that point in pregnancy.
After they left, they realized there was no way they could have the abortion. He had returned to thank that woman for helping them make the right decision.
Not long afterward, a woman arrived to tell volunteers that they'd saved her baby ... a child who is now 3 years old.
At the time, she was convinced abortion was the only option. She had two children and was facing jail time on a petty theft conviction. "But when she saw us praying there," Viviane said, "she changed her mind about the abortion."
She was allowed out of jail to have the baby, and her cousin took care of the child until she was free.
"We were emotionally overcome," Viviane said. "God sent us not one, but two confirmations that our prayerful presence alone makes all the difference!"
A man visited early one morning to talk to vigil participants. The week before, he and his girlfriend had spoken to a woman who showed them fetal models, letting them know exactly what their baby looked like at that point in pregnancy.
After they left, they realized there was no way they could have the abortion. He had returned to thank that woman for helping them make the right decision.
Not long afterward, a woman arrived to tell volunteers that they'd saved her baby ... a child who is now 3 years old.
At the time, she was convinced abortion was the only option. She had two children and was facing jail time on a petty theft conviction. "But when she saw us praying there," Viviane said, "she changed her mind about the abortion."
She was allowed out of jail to have the baby, and her cousin took care of the child until she was free.
"We were emotionally overcome," Viviane said. "God sent us not one, but two confirmations that our prayerful presence alone makes all the difference!"
San Fernando Valley, California
Elaine,
one of the prayer volunteers, spent quite a bit of time speaking with
the boyfriend of a young woman who had already gone inside for an
abortion.
"While the conversation did not appear to be going well at the time," said Patti, the local coordinator, "a short while later the young woman left the abortion center and they both drove away together. She was definitely NOT inside long enough for an abortion!"
"While the conversation did not appear to be going well at the time," said Patti, the local coordinator, "a short while later the young woman left the abortion center and they both drove away together. She was definitely NOT inside long enough for an abortion!"
Patti said on a busy Saturday, a volunteer noticed a couple who drove into the parking lot slowly. "They were looking at the signs on the sidewalk," she said. They stayed in their car talking for about 20 minutes, then drove away.
"Thank you, Lord God Almighty," said Patti, "for your continuous answers to our prayers!"
Here's today's devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life.
Day 30 intention
That those tempted to abort may understand that their child is already present, and already a real person.
Scripture
And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
-- Luke 1:41-44
Reflection by Fr. Frank Pavone
Jesus not only loves unborn children -- He was one himself!
Think about this for a moment.
We often hear people speak of a pregnant mother by saying, "She's expecting a child." Now if one is expecting a package, the package is not yet there. As reflected in our verse for today, however, this is not the case with the mother.
Her gift is already there. The pregnant woman, a mother already, does not have a child "on the way," but has a child, already present and in full possession of his or her human rights, starting with the right to life.
Prayer
Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem.
As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Printable devotional
To download today's devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2013day30print.pdf
That those tempted to abort may understand that their child is already present, and already a real person.
Scripture
And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
-- Luke 1:41-44
Reflection by Fr. Frank Pavone
Jesus not only loves unborn children -- He was one himself!
Think about this for a moment.
We often hear people speak of a pregnant mother by saying, "She's expecting a child." Now if one is expecting a package, the package is not yet there. As reflected in our verse for today, however, this is not the case with the mother.
Her gift is already there. The pregnant woman, a mother already, does not have a child "on the way," but has a child, already present and in full possession of his or her human rights, starting with the right to life.
Prayer
Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem.
As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Printable devotional
To download today's devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2013day30print.pdf
For Life,
|
SHAWN CARNEY
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
|
PS:
Have you had an experience with 40 Days for Life that has had a deep
impact on you personally? If you have, please share your story by
leaving a comment on today's blog posting at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=5016
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=5016
