Posted on 02/25/2009 9:35:05 PM PST by Salvation
Father God, may the church and your children examine themselves. Open our eyes to our own pride, criticisms and judgementalism against others. Father, bring our hearts to true repentance and healing so we can reach out in love to those who are hurting, the post-abortive. Father, help us to reach past ourselves to these, whom the church has pushed away. Cause Your love, through us, to reach through their guilt and shame. Open their eyes to see themselves as You see them, forgiven and loved, clothed in the cleansing purity of Christ’s shed blood. Bring them healing, Father, IN Jesus Name we pray this, AMEN.
I’d love to be on that ping list...
Anyone wanting on the PING list, for each new daily pray posted, please FReepmail me, or post to let me know.
Thanks. I really appreciate this list. ;-)
May God's people understand that the Lazarus of the 21st Century is the unborn child, and respond accordingly.
SCRIPTURE
There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
So he called to him, "Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire."
But Abraham replied, "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.
"And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us."
-- Luke 16:19-31
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REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life
The rich man did not go to hell because he was rich. He went to hell because he ignored the other man. He thought that because Lazarus had less, that he was worth less.
He failed to recognize that Lazarus was his brother. Lazarus was waiting at the door of the rich man for scraps of food; the Lazarus of our day, the unborn child, is waiting at the door of the womb for birth itself.
God does not only prohibit aborting the unborn; he prohibits ignoring them.
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PRAYER
Father, I thank you for the life that I possess, and for the birth that you granted me. I hear the cries of the Lazarus of our day; I see them sitting at the door.
Grant that I may never ignore them, and that through this 40 Days for Life campaign, I may stir many others to pay attention to them as well. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
REPORTS FROM THE FRONTLINES:
Brisbane, Australia is 15 hours ahead of the East Coast of North America, so it was still Tuesday when the other 134 locations began their vigil. Brisbane leader Brendon reports, "We had about 80 people at our kickoff event and so far we've got most of our time slots filled," he said. "I pray the USA and worldwide event is going well."
Back in the States thing ARE going well...
In Worcester, Massachusetts, Bishop Robert McManus led about 40 people in prayer. Paul, one of the local coordinators, said, "It was the most people I've ever seen there at one time." Reporters for two newspapers were there as well. "We are getting so many new people involved. I think something big is coming!"
Something big is happening indeed. I know that because of my visit to Indianapolis for the kickoff event where 50 people processed two miles to Planned Parenthood -- in the snow!
Eileen reports, "With hearts on fire, they sang and prayed and promised to return often during the 40 Days for Life Indianapolis campaign. Their sacrifice is an inspiration to anyone hesitating because the weather isn't comfortable."
There's something else BIG to report -- the FIRST BABY SAVED from abortion during this brand-new campaign!
Two women were praying at a 40 Days for Life vigil in New Jersey -- for one of them, it was the first time ever. As they were praying, they saw a woman who had just come out of the clinic and was standing near the door. When the women who were praying asked if she would take a flyer, she had a simple response: "I didn't do it! I changed my mind."
WOW!
Chris in Florida was already apprehensive about the first 40 Days for Life campaign in Tallahassee and as she drove up to the vigil, she saw police cars. "My heart started pounding and I said a quick prayer before I got out of my car," she said.
It turned out that a woman had parked in the clinic's lot and went to pay an insurance bill next door. When she came back out, she walked over to the people praying to offer her support. Well, the abortion clinic staff ran out, yelled at the woman for parking in their lot and called the police.
"The police took down information, defused the situation, and were wrapping up by the time I arrived," Chris said. "As the officers left, one of them said we were doing just fine where we were, but he had only one problem with us: 'You're only here during Lent!' What a great affirmation of our effort!"
Folks, one day we will stand before our Maker and we will all be held accountable for what we did or did not do to help these defenseless, innocent babies. May God have mercy on anyone who chooses to stand for our "right" to destroy the lives He has created. May we all fall to our knees and pray for this nation and its people.
Prayer for the Helpless Unborn
Heavenly Father, in Your love for us, protect against the wickedness of the devil,
those helpless little ones to whom You have given the gift of life.
Touch with pity the hearts of those women pregnant in our world today
who are not thinking of motherhood.
Help them to see that the child they carry is made in Your image
- as well as theirs - made for eternal life.
Dispel their fear and selfishness and give them true womanly hearts
to love their babies and give them birth
and all the needed care that a mother can give.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord,
Who lives and reigns with You and Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever. Amen.
Pray that we each will daily put on the full armor of God, so that we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might.
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SCRIPTURE
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For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
-- Ephesians 6:12-13
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REFLECTION
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I am confounded to see how the battle over the issue of life is perceived more often in churches today as political rather than spiritual.
Ironically, the enemy has used this twisted perception to silence many in the body of Christ.
We must see the battle for what it is and we must daily "put on" the armor God has given us:
>> Gird your waist with Truth (vs. 14) -- Commit your emotions to believe truth and to speak truth, regardless of the repercussions.
>> Put on the breastplate of Righteousness (vs. 14) -- It will protect our hearts -- the innermost springs of our beings -- from all unrighteousness so evident in this fallen world.
>> Shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. (vs. 15) -- Preparation is vital if we are to be effective in God's work.
>> Taking the shield of faith (vs.16)-- The Accuser will instill doubt, fear, and guilt. Faith acts as an invisible shield that deflects such false accusations.
>> Taking the Helmet of salvation (vs.17) -- A helmet protects the head, the brain and in turn our mind and thoughts. Satan hopes we will set aside divine revelation for human reasoning.
>> Taking the sword of the Spirit (vs.17) -- The Word of God, the only offensive weapon in this armor, was used by the Lord Jesus against Satan. The living Word is powerful and effective.
Our armor is complete. We are ready to wage war, and the next verse tells us how, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit." (vs.18)
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PRAYER
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Dear Lord, as you lead us into the spiritual battle of abortion may we be reminded that the battle is truly Yours. Thank you for hearing our requests for direction and protection. Thank you for the victory that is ours because of Your Son Jesus, Amen.
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If you want on or off the PING list for this Daily Prayer Vigil during the 40-Days for LIFE, please contact Salvation or myself.
Blessings on you and yours.
Day 4 was written by Carmen Pate.
Hooray! Thank you again for this posting!!! ;-)
Bump for life!
May God's justice sober our society; may mercy triumph over judgment.
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SCRIPTURE
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Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man's brother I will require the life of man.
Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.
-- Genesis 9:5-6
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REFLECTION
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The value of every human being can hardly be seen more clearly than with this verse. God, the King of the universe, has created all human beings in his image, and declares forthrightly that shedding the blood of any individual will require the blood of the one who shed it.
God's concern for human beings is not limited to any particular group. Indeed, his concern is universal, and includes male and female, young and old, born and unborn, disabled and able-bodied, the citizens of every nation on earth.
Abortion, the deliberate killing of the unborn, is the shedding of innocent blood. Surely the blood of millions upon millions of innocent children cries out to God.
It is true that we live in an age of grace, and yet this passage (among many other texts which express similar sentiments) should give every thinking Christian pause.
Christians of all people, entrusted with the Word of God as we are, must take a stand. We must speak out. We must do all that we can to protect the innocent, to pursue justice, and to encourage the repentance of all those who bear responsibility for this great evil.
Only in this manner can we hope to forestall the judgment that must otherwise surely come.
This passage should also be seen as an encouragement to educate and disciple our children and grandchildren about what it means to be human and the responsibility that will become theirs in this ongoing struggle.
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PRAYER
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O Father, forgive us for our lack of courage and our want of compassion for the unborn and for those lost and hurt by abortion. Fill us anew with your Spirit.
Renew our minds, strengthen us in righteousness, help us be people of salt and light within our nation.
May every human being, from conception to natural death, be treated with the respect due those made in your image.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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Rev. John Brown, the director of United Friends for Life (United Church of Christ)
AMEN!! ;-)
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DAY 6 INTENTION
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Pray that those tempted to abort may understand that their child is already present, and already a real person.
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SCRIPTURE
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And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy."
-- Luke 1:41-44
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REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life
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Jesus not only loves unborn children -- He was one himself!
Think about this for a moment.
We often hear people speak of a pregnant mother by saying, "She's expecting a child."
Now if one is expecting a package, the package is not yet there.
As reflected in our verse for today, however, this is not the case with the mother.
Her gift is already there.
The pregnant woman, a mother already, does not have a child "on the way," but has a child, already present and in full possession of his or her human rights, starting with the right to life.
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PRAYER
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Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem.
As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Here are just a few of the wonderful stories behind the amazing numbers...
"Seventeen churches were represented today, and many had never done abortion clinic ministry before. We had one saved baby in the first four hours! We had a great rally last night and people are fired up."
-- Mike in Riverside, California
"We know of at least two women who had appointments at Planned Parenthood today who left after speaking to the sidewalk counselors and went to the downtown pregnancy help center! Please remember them in your prayers."
--Christine in Houston, Texas
"At 7:30am, Gloria and her daughter were the only ones praying. Minutes after they arrived, a man was already leaving Planned Parenthood. He asked them why they were there. She said, 'We are pro-life and we don't accept abortion. We are praying to end abortion.' The man burst into tears and said that his wife was inside the clinic. But that he didn't want her to have the abortion. He went inside to talk with his wife. Two hours later, the man came out in tears and said, 'I got her out! Thank you!' By then more volunteers had joined the vigil and were celebrating!
See photo at:
"As Gloria was waving goodbye to the prayer group, she saw volunteers talking to another woman that was leaving the clinic. She stopped at the prayer team and thanked them for their prayers, saying, "I didn't do it! Thank you!"
--Alejandra in Orange County, California
"A newspaper reporter covering our event was asking one of our counselors what she did and if any women ever changed their minds. She replied that she handed out pro-life materials and tried to speak to the women, and yes, women did change their minds. Just then, essentially during the newspaper interview, a woman -- we'll call her Gwen -- came out of the abortion center. Our counselor asked her if she had changed her mind and she said yes! The newspaper reporter then asked if she could interview Gwen, and she agreed."
--Major in Huntsville, Alabama
The most amazing thing about this account is that the reporter for the Huntsville Times, a secular newspaper, wrote the story of this woman rejecting abortion -- and the paper actually printed it!
Read it for yourself at:
"We couldn't have asked for a better start to our 40 Days for Life Campaign," said Major. "The keys to effective baby-saving, as you well know, are prayer, presence and fasting. God is SO GOOD when we make a sincere effort to honor Him with our sacrifices. He honors those efforts in the most gratifying ways. To God be the Glory! Amen."
prayer bump!
Pray that the abortionists and all workers in abortion facilities would be troubled in their souls regarding their work and would seek truth.
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SCRIPTURE
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Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.
-- Ephesians 4:31-32
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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, Point of View talk show
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We see the evil and oppression in the world, the arrogance of those who mock God, the millions of innocent lives destroyed because of the greed of a few.
Our flesh tells us that we should take justice in our own hands, but instead of vengeance, the Lord calls us to love our enemy, to forgive others as we have been forgiven.
God loves the abortionist and the Planned Parenthood advocate just as much as He loves you.
It breaks His heart to see them in bondage to sin and He is giving you this opportunity to introduce them to the Savior who sets the captive free.
Though you may not experience direct interaction with these souls, your presence will not go unnoticed. Your non-verbal communications speak volumes about the God you serve.
Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness is not condoning or overlooking the wrong behavior of others, but rather it is freeing ourselves so that God can work mightily through us to touch their hearts for Him.
Let's join our hearts with His in recognizing that those in the abortion industry are not the enemy, but rather they are blinded by the enemy.
God desires that we bring them the message of truth and hope found in Christ, but the messengers He will use are those willing to forgive
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PRAYER
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Dearest God, You tell us in Proverbs that the foolish and the wicked lack wisdom and understanding. I pray you will trouble the souls of those in the abortion industry so that they hunger for truth and cry out for freedom.
I pray that my life would reflect my redemption so others may see it and trust in You. In obedience to You, and by your grace, I choose to forgive others as you have forgiven me. In the name of Christ my Redeemer I pray, Amen.
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