Dear Deacon John,
Your prayer presence hurts the bottom line of the abortion industry ...especially on Saturdays. Saturday is the busiest day of the week at many abortion facilities … so please find a campaign location and join the vigil! You never know what God may have in store. You may see your prayers answered as a mother turns away from abortion. Or you may even see a closedsign on the abortion business’s door! That’s happened several times during this campaign. Here’s one example:
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Toni in Winston-Salem says the Planned Parenthood center has been closed several days during the campaign, including at least one Saturday … which is usually an abortion day.
“This campaign is definitely affecting business for them,” Toni said. She mentioned a couple driving into the parking lot who looked at the prayer volunteers … but did not stop to talk. After about five minutes, though, they turned around and drove out. They never went inside.
“They honked at us before they headed off,” Toni said. “We hope that means another child’s life was saved.”
She stressed the need for more prayer … even when the abortion center is closed. Those prayers, she said, get applied according to God’s will. “That part is for God. We just keep up the prayers and witness and He will take it from there!”
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
“I just found out that a young woman who had an abortion scheduled at Planned Parenthood did not go through with it,” said Nikki, the local 40 Days for Life leader in Pittsburgh.
“She didn’t want an abortion, but finally succumbed to the steady pressure of her boyfriend, made the appointment and went to Planned Parenthood,” she said.
But when this woman saw the volunteers praying, she decided not to do it.
One of the people praying was a priest, who was joined by several members of his parish. “I believe seeing clergy and religious at our vigil sends a powerful statement to reach people’s consciences,” Nikki said. “Thank you to all the pastors who have made the time in their busy schedules to witness at our vigil!”
Tucson, Arizona
Matt in Tucson tells of a woman who parked her car near the prayer volunteers … and got out with a huge smile on her face. At first, she just asked, “What are you doing out here?”
The volunteers said not everyone is aware of this, but the building they’re in front of is an abortion center. “We are praying for everyone going in there today … and for an end to abortion.”
“I actually just came from the clinic,” she said, “and I had a sonogram. I am about eight weeks along and my fiancé doesn’t even know I’m here.” He was very much against the abortion, she said. “I’ve changed my mind now and I’m going to keep the baby!”
The volunteers gave her information about local pregnancy resources and told her to get in touch if they can help in any way.
“This reminded us of the importance of being out there,” Matt said. “Let us continue to pray for her.”
Today’s devotional is from Carmen Pate of Alliance Ministries.
Day 39 intention
Pray that volunteers will replace exhaustion or discouragement with rejoicing over the miracles we have seen thus far, and enthusiastic service as God takes us on to victory!
Scripture
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
— 1 Peter 1:6-7
Reflection by Carmen Pate
We have reason to rejoice when we consider the many babies whose lives have been saved during the 40 Days for Life campaign.
Add to those lives, the women and men who have been spared from a devastating decision and now have opportunity to make a plan for their baby that is both life affirming and God honoring.
Whether directly, or indirectly, you have contributed to these testimonies of praise with your sacrificial service.
Perhaps you have been grieved by various trials during your commitment to 40 days.
The attacks of the enemy come in many forms — difficulties in relationships, finances, health.
Or maybe you are physically and mentally exhausted and have been marking off the days on your calendar, eagerly waiting for Day 40.
Consider these trials in light of God's plan for you.
The Apostle Paul understood the big picture when he said in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
This is our Hope and our victory. Let us rejoice in the opportunity to give that Hope to others in our path.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we sing to You a new song, for You have done marvelous things. Forgive us when we allow circumstances to defeat us. You give power to the faint and You increase strength in those who have no might.
We rest in You, dear Lord, and ask You to empower us again for Your service as You work out Your plan for us and through us.
May You receive glory through our victory in Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.
Printable devotional
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For life,
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SHAWN CARNEY
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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