Dear Deacon John,
At the beginning of a 40 Days for Life campaign, those driving by are often judging the prayer vigil. At first, the reactions vary from supportive honks to perhaps a distasteful shout or gesture. As the campaign goes on, those passing by see you in all sorts of weather conditions ... and even if they disagree with you, over time they come to respect you. Their attention may turn from you ... to the reality of abortion in their community. We have seen people who mock the vigil during the first week of the campaign actually join the prayer participants in the final week. Here are some stories from three different countries.
Auckland, New Zealand
“The majority of the time we will not know the fruit of our prayer or work to promote and save lives,” said one of the leaders in Auckland. But occasionally, God will reveal His blessings. A woman approached the prayer team outside the abortion center. They recognized her. At last year’s 40 Days for Life vigil, she was one of the most vocal opponents.
“But here’s the thing,” said the 40 Days for Life team member. “Our presence affected her so much that she realised she needed healing!”
They learned that her vocal abuse was a manifestation of the deep hurt she experienced after being forced to abort three children. Finally, this mother went to God in prayer. Today she is praying for the 40 Days for Life effort, with plans to join the vigil if she is able. “From vocal abuser … to healing … to praying in solidarity with us,” the volunteer said. “God is so good!”
Calgary, Alberta
Michele in Calgary was a bit concerned. She was alone at the 40 Days for Life vigil, holding a sign with the message “Women need support, not abortion.” As she prayed for the women entering the abortion center, she cried and wondered if her prayers were making a difference.
The police had been called earlier in the day after someone complained about a sign. Now, Michele saw a woman outside the building, talking on her phone. She stopped in the driveway and pointed directly at Michele.
“I thought she was calling the police again,” she said. “Then she crossed the street and came towards me. I braced myself for a tongue lashing.”
But that was not what happened! “She hugged me and said, ‘Thank you, just thank you!’ Then she immediately walked away,” Michele said. “I was stunned. I then cried even harder in thanksgiving.”
Michele said she really didn’t do anything. “I just stood there with a sign, praying … I was just privileged to be a witness to God’s love and mercy. Our presence and prayers do make a difference ... and we must keep doing it.”
Baltimore, Maryland
“God uses every encounter we have at the abortion clinic,” said Julia in Baltimore, “no matter how seemingly small.” Such was the case in an exchange between one of the 40 Days for Life volunteers and a passing driver.
The vigil participant was holding a sign with the message, “My heart was beating 18 days from conception.”
“A woman got out of her car, approached me and handed me a dollar,” the volunteer explained. “She pointed to the sign and indicated that it was for the baby. I asked if she wanted me to donate it to Pregnancy Center West, and she nodded her head.”
She isn’t completely sure the woman understood her. “But I’ve got that dollar in a Pregnancy Center West envelope that I’m about to send out,” she said.“God is at work!”
Today’s devotional is from Vera Faith Lord, director of Alpha/Omega Life Ministry.
Day 36 intention
Pray that those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.
Scripture
These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season, what you give them they gather in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.
— Psalm 104:27-30
Reflection by Vera Faith Lord
“I am a feather on the breath of God.”
As the quote above portrays, we are upheld by the power and purpose of God.
Our very existence on earth, from our body's first breath to its last, when we leave it to return home, is our Father's choice and happens only by His willing to do so.
He who created the universe also created that which is me. I do not have a soul; I am a soul, as well as a body.
My entire purpose in this life is to find my way back to my Creator.
Prayer
Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no truth but you.
Do not let us fall prey to the evil one's lie that we may choose death.
Remind us right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us know right now that you who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us choose life always.
Father, please let us hear your voice more today than yesterday.
Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign.
Father, we're on our way. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Printable devotional
To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share:
http://40daysforlife.com/media/day36.pdf
For life,
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SHAWN CARNEY
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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