Posted on 03/23/2010 6:53:31 AM PDT by Faith
"They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons; they poured out innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters... and the land was polluted with blood. Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people, and He abhorred his heritage; he gave them into the hands of the nations, so that those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their power. (See Psalm 106:37-43)
Pray that all believers participating in this 40 Days for Life campaign will make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
SCRIPTURE
And the glory which You gave Me, I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
-- John 17:22-23
REFLECTION - by Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life
Christ prayed that all those who would believe in Him would be united in single purpose and spirit, just as He and the Father were united.
I find it convicting to consider that those who would run to Jesus with their sins, seeking forgiveness, and falling in love with the Savior, often run from Christians today.
Is it because they see division and dissension instead of unity and peace?
No doubt Christ is pleased to see the body unified and praying together during these 40 days.
This is exactly what we see when we read about the beginnings of the church. Both the unity and the prayer are conspicuous, along with the results of unified prayer.
Acts 2:46-47 tells us, "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
No doubt the enemy is disheartened to see the unity in prayer, fasting and peaceful vigil, and he will continuously try to disrupt the bond of peace among brothers and sisters in Christ.
Let us guard our hearts and minds, exhibiting the love of Christ that He so graciously gives us, so that those watching will see the love among us and know that He must love them too!
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, give us grace in every situation to work toward unity. With humility, gentleness, and patience, may we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There are hurting men and women Lord at the crossroads of life and death who are looking for love and peace in their lives.
May they see Christ in us and be drawn to the abundant life that only He can give. It is in Christ's precious name that we pray, Amen.
“Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
(Proverbs 31: 8-9)
Creator God,
You looked upon all that You created and You said that it was very good. We know that You love each unique life and that You have special plans for every child made in Your image. Help us to value these lives that You hold so dear to Your heart. Hear all the prayers spoken in earnest on behalf of the unborn. Protect these precious, innocent babies from the violence of abortion and may the heart of every mother who is carrying a child be filled with the love and protection of the Savior. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Amen.
40 Days for Life:
When did it begin?
When will it end?
If you are asking about the 40 Days campaign, there are two each year-—one in the spring, the other in the fall. This year’s spring campaign began February 17 and ends March 28. Vigils are being conducted in 167 locations in the U.S. and a handful of other countries. For more info, please visit:
Amen to your Prayer, Dear Sister Faith.
Many thanks for your continued defense of the unborn. God bless you.
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