From 40 Days For Life: DAY 38: Praying behind bars

 

Trouble always follows abortion. Those who have suffered the trauma of abortion are much more likely to experience substance abuse, domestic abuse, and mental illness. They are also much more likely to end up in prison. But a 40 Days for Life campaign is an opportunity for healing. In The Beginning of the End of Abortion, I wrote about how the campaign in Saginaw, Michigan worked through a prison ministry program to involve local prisoners in their campaign. More than 40 men signed up to pray the overnight hours--from their cells.

A 40 Days for Life leader on the West Coast received a phone call from a woman whose sister recently had an abortion--shortly after being released from prison. She was pregnant again...and planning to have another abortion. The troubled woman's sister was able to introduce her to the local campaign leader, who quickly befriended the abortion-minded woman--even taking her to the banquet for a nearby pregnancy center. "I spoke with the young woman today at church," the leader said. "And I was able to confirm that she is choosing life for this baby. Hallelujah!" As you pray for an end to abortion, don't forget to pray for those who join us in prayer from behind bars.

Kenosha, Wisconsin Though they can't attend the vigil, Karen in Kenosha invited local prisoners to join her campaign through prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. A man named Jeff decided to pray two hours a day and to fast from from 7 am to 7 pm! Another man named John is fasting from both food and from speaking 12 hours a day. "I've prayed daily for those actively involved in these 40 days," he said. "I collect my meals and give them to my inmates." Karen sent her prison participants thank you cards for their sacrifices. "I have been so moved by their prayers and tender hearts for the moms and babies," she said.

Greenland, New Hampshire Vicki, the vigil coordinator in Greenland, was recruiting vigil participants at a local church when a woman approached her to share that she sends 40 Days for Life updates to her post-abortive goddaughter in prison. "This goddaughter has--for the last five years while incarcerated--prayed and fasted for all the Greenland vigil participants ...unbeknownst to us!" said local leader Jackie. "She loves reading campaign updates her godmother forwards to her, and now two more women from her correctional center have joined her in praying and fasting during the 40 Days for Life campaigns!" Jackie reported that the opportunity to pray and fast with the 40 Days for Life campaign has been a part of this woman's healing process. "Isn't that powerful?" Jackie asked. Yes it is...and to our sister in New Hampshire--if your godmother forwards you this message, please know that I'm praying for YOU today!

You have heard it was said, ‘you shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. — Matthew 5: 43-44 Heavenly Father, may we reflect your character of grace and kindness to those who hate us and curse us. Guard our hearts and our tongues as we respond in love to words and actions meant to rile us or cause us harm. Let others see the Hope that is Christ in all we say and do. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney President/CEO, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life 4112 E 29th St. Bryan, Texas 77802 United States (888) LIFE-316