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Day 12 - March 4

Intention:

Pray to God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, to end abortion in America.

Scripture:

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

-- Ephesians 3:20-21

Reflection:

God's power working in and through His people is unlimited and far beyond our comprehension when we submit to God's Word and Spirit. He receives glory when we are obedient to His calling and faithfully serve Him in His strength.

Consider God's hand of providence on this nation because of the faithfulness of a few who were totally committed to God and His truths. It is interesting to note the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta: "Yours is the one great nation in all history which was founded on the precept of equal rights and respect for all humankind, for the poorest and weakest of us as well as the richest and strongest."

Mother Teresa, in addressing the Supreme Court of the United States said, "Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. I have no new teaching for America. I seek only to recall you to faithfulness to what you once taught the world. Your nation was founded on the proposition very old as a moral precept, but startling and innovative as a political insight that human life is a gift of immeasurable worth, and that it deserves, always and everywhere, to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect."

It is time to restore that dignity and respect. Our God is able. Are we willing to remain faithful until His work through us is done?

Prayer:

God Almighty, Who is powerful and willing to supply, our hearts cry in unison for You to restore dignity and respect to human life, not only in America, but around the world. Lord, may our hearts remain faithful to your calling, and may You begin Your transforming work with me. Keep me ever mindful that with You Lord, nothing is impossible; without You, I can do nothing. To You be glory forever and ever, Amen.

Carmen Pate
40 Days for Life board of directors

I just returned from events celebrating the closure of
two Planned Parenthood abortion centers in Iowa —
praise God!

Since this spring’s campaign features peaceful vigils
at 121 Planned Parenthood facilities — almost half of
the total number of sites — there are few things you
probably should know.

For starters, Planned Parenthood is the leading
abortion chain in the United States, doing around
330,000 abortions EVERY year. They do this with while
taking in upwards of $400 million in YOUR tax money.

But Planned Parenthood is worried. Last year, for the
first time in 16 years, their abortion numbers went
DOWN. Fewer abortions equal fewer dollars. And Planned
Parenthood is a business.

PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK

For one thing, Planned Parenthood doesn’t want you to
know that it runs abortion centers. Their PR campaigns
focus on “women’s health.” That’s a reference to
abortion — but they avoid the actual word.

Nancy tells a typical story. A man approached her at
the 40 Days for Life vigil and asked what the prayer
volunteers were doing.

“He was shocked,” she said. “He didn’t know they did
abortions at Planned Parenthood.” The man then said
he would invite his pastor to come pray. Once he knew
what Planned Parenthood was really all about, it made
quite an impression.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

Planned Parenthood created a media event to protest
proposed state legislation. The spot they picked was
outside the Planned Parenthood abortion center where
the 40 Days for Life vigil is under way. The media
arrived — and interviewed both pro-Planned Parenthood
demonstrators and 40 Days for Life vigil participants.

But immediately after reporters got their interviews,
the pro-abortion demonstrators packed up and left,
admitting this was a one-time-only appearance. That’s
fairly typical. When the cameras go away, so do they.
But the 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers remained —
and will continue to be there.

To see some pictures of this event in Virginia Beach,
please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2814

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

We’ve already heard from campaigns like the one in
Columbia, where Planned Parenthood’s “pledge a picket”
campaign has already been launched — and that is a
good sign. It means business is off and they want you
to go home.

“Pledge a picket” asks Planned Parenthood supporters
to pledge money for each “picketer” (that’s you) on
its sidewalk. They try to say that YOU are raising
money for them. This, of course, is simply not true.

“Pledge a picket” is Planned Parenthood’s highest
award to an effective 40 Days for Life campaign,
so stay and keep praying!

THE 3% DECEPTION

The most popular Planned Parenthood talking point these
days is that abortion is only 3% of their total services.

This creative use of statistics understates the
importance of abortion to the bottom line. It treats
birth control prescriptions, HIV tests and abortion as
equal when counting the number of “services.”

Researchers who’ve studied Planned Parenthood’s own
reports estimate that abortion accounts for 40 to 50
percent of total clinic income. This is why Planned
Parenthood is so protective of abortion — and trying
relentlessly to increase the numbers.

Please keep these things in mind as you pray and fast
for an end to abortion.