Posted on 09/21/2010 12:24:02 AM PDT by Salvation
THREE ELEMENTS
Constant vigil
 |
The visible, public centerpiece of 40 Days for Life is a 40-day, round-the-clock prayer vigil outside a Planned Parenthood center or other abortion facility in your community.Those who are called to stand witness maintain a peaceful and educational presence. |
This 24-hour-a-day presence send a powerful message to the community about the tragic reality of abortion. It also serves as a call to repentance for those who work at the abortion center and those who patronize the facility.
If you do not have an abortion facility or Planned Parenthood office in your town, you can still conduct 40 Days for Life. However, you will need to select a different location which has some strategic significance ... perhaps near city hall, a courthouse, or a highly visible intersection.
Community outreach
 |
During 40 Days for Life, the pro-life message is proactively taken to every corner of your community. This can identify hundreds, or even thousands, of pro-life supporters. |
A door-to-door petition and education drive reaches out to every household in your town or city. Informational flyers are distributed in neighborhoods to raise awareness about the local crisis of abortion. Citizens are invited to sign a petition of support for the sanctity of human life, and people are given the opportunity to visibly show their support for 40 Days for Life by wearing wristbands, placing signs in their yards, or displaying bumper stickers on their vehicles.
These people can then be encouraged to pray and join in local pro-life efforts.
Church involvement begins by meeting with local pastors, other church leaders, and members of different congregations. The Body of Christ is invited to pray together and participate in 40 Days for Life, uniting in one focused mission that can save lives and make an eternal impact.
Media outreach is conducted through carefully targeted news stories, talk shows, editorials, and letters to the editor. This enables you to get the pro-life message out to many people who would never see the inside of a local church.
If your community has a college campus, many students can be impacted through an intense 40-day campus outreach. This can consist of flyer raids, sidewalk chalking, petition drives, table displays, and much more.
Local leadership with 40 Days for Life
 |
40 Days for Life is primarily a local campaign. Yes, there is a national team that provides information, resources and encouragement, but all campaigns are based at the local level. Each community knows best when it comes to countering the damage abortion has caused in each individual city and town. |
No one is appointed as a local 40 Days for Life leader; in each community, someone must step up and accept the challenge.
The campaign is also a group effort. There needs to be a main coordinator, but there is a whole level of duties and responsibilities that must be filled in addition to the director's position:
A line from Scripture comes to mind: "Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will." Please pray for discernment and guidance. 40 Days for Life won't happen without somebody. "Somebody" could be you!
Wonderful news!
Day 20 - October 11
Intention:
May God's justice sober our society, and may mercy triumph over judgment.
Scripture:
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
Reflection:
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.
Prayer:
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.
Rev. John Brown
Director, United Friends for Life (United Church of Christ)
And today’s record setting email:
40 Days for Life just reached a huge milestone, but
first I have to share an AMAZING story ...
... Last week I showed you pictures of the 40 Days
for Life vigil in Reno, Nevada — where the
abortionist uses a sprinkler system to soak the
people praying outside his fence.
Despite this aggressive hostility, we just received an
incredible report from that location.
A woman driving out of the abortion center’s parking
lot stopped to ask one of the local volunteer for her
phone number. Shortly after, the volunteer received
a text message.
This text sums up what 40 Days for Life is about —
and the impact a local vigil can have.
Here is the exact text message:
I just wanted to send you guys a text to let you
know that what you do out there does make a
difference.
When I went to that abortion clinic last week to
drop off my money to terminate my pregnancy, I saw
people standing out there with signs. I didn’t
expect to see that and part of me felt ashamed.
I drove through the gates anyway and went inside,
gave them my money and made an appointment for
2:30pm today.
As I was driving away I couldn’t help but think
that maybe there was another way. All this week I
thought and prayed about it and I realized in my
heart what the right thing to do was.
I can’t help but think, that had you guys not been
there that day to remind me that I had another
choice, that maybe one more baby would have died
today.
Don’t stop what you’re doing. It matters. It did
to me. From the blonde lady in the white SUV who
picked up her money instead of aborting her baby
today.
WOW.
And that’s just ONE of the ...
... 3,000 lives God has saved — that we know of ...
... thanks to YOUR prayers and efforts since the very
first coordinated 40 Days for Life campaign started
in the fall of 2007!
THREE THOUSAND — to God be the glory for reaching
this major milestone!
That’s a LOT of children and mothers spared from
abortion. And that’s a lot of GREAT stories ...
... like the one I just received from Carol in
Houston: “This e-mail is to CONFIRM that God saved
TWO BABIES this morning at the mega-abortion Planned
Parenthood facility!”
A group prayed while one volunteer, holding a sign
reading “Pray to end abortion,” waved at cars driving
by. After a while, a van turned into the Planned
Parenthood parking lot. They drove around — slowly
— then headed towards the exit.
As they reached the street, the van stopped and a
woman rolled down the window. “Because you were
here,” she said, “my daughter has chosen NOT to have
an abortion.” The daughter was weeping in the back
seat. “Thanks for being here and saving her baby.”
A short time later, a couple in an SUV went in and
out of Planned Parenthood a couple of times. They
finally drove out and they, too, told the volunteers
that they could not go through with the abortion.
Praise God for these — and all — the 3,000 lives
saved from abortion due to local 40 Days for Life
campaigns. And THANK YOU ... for your prayers, your
fasting, your steadfast response to God’s call.
Second half of 40 Days for Life Ping!
If you haven’t gone out to pray in front of a Planned Parenthood or abortuary, now is your chance to do it.
Day 21 - October 12
Intention:
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.
Scripture:
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
Reflection:
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 if we are to be prepared to face the spiritual enemy on the issue of abortion, we must daily "put on" the armor God has given us:
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)
Prayer:
Dear Lord, as you lead us into the spiritual battle of abortion may we be reminded that the battle is truly Yours. We thank you for equipping us with Your armor. Lead us daily to put it on! Thank you for allowing us to serve under your command, and for hearing our requests for direction and protection. Thank you for the victory that is ours because of Your Son Jesus, amen.
Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" talk show
Today’s email:
One of the most joyful things about a 40 Days for Life
prayer vigil is the sight of a family praying together.
We see it all the time. And because Jesus asked the
disciples to let the little children come to Him, we
are sure that He is most attentive to their prayers.
One family prayed at a 40 Days for Life vigil recently
... and then wrote about it on our blog!
“During 40 Days for Life, I went to a prayer tent,”
said 6-year-old Glory. “We prayed out loud from 9:00 to
10:00 so abortion will stop. We had to wake up at 7:00
in the morning. I was so sleepy, but I had to eat. Then
I brushed my teeth and changed my clothes. I am fasting
from rice milk so babies won’t die.”
“40 Days for Life is praying and fasting to end
abortion,” said Mary Jane, who is 8. “I am fasting from
bagels because I eat them a lot. So I am fasting from
them. I think God will help us, and abortion will stop.”
“For 40 Days for Life, I’m fasting from bananas because
I really like them, and we eat them a lot,” wrote
10-year-old Parker. “When I want to eat them, I pray
for mothers that are pregnant so that they don’t have
an abortion and for all the people that had an abortion
so that they don’t have another one.”
Thanks to Glory, Mary Jane and Parker for their
sacrifices — and for the parents who are raising
children with a love for God and the babies (and,
obviously, for helping them post these words of young
wisdom on the web site!).
The Indianapolis 40 Days for Life team posted a photo
of a family praying outside the Planned Parenthood
abortion center where their vigil is taking place.
To see the photo, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1246
Eileen in Indianapolis calls 40 Days for Life “a
peaceful, prayerful, family-friendly pro-life activity.
What better way to teach your children respect for life
... not only with your words, but through your actions.”
Imagine the impact on women going into Planned
Parenthood who are confused!
“We know they feel pressured and believe that they
have no other choice,” she said. “We pray that seeing
families might inspire them.”
40 Days for Life participants in Pensacola held a
prayer procession — led by children — at one of the
two abortion centers where volunteers are praying
during this campaign.
To see a picture, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1246
The Pensacola team also heard from a Presbyterian pastor
who signed up to pray with 40 Days for Life for the first
time — and stayed at the vigil for nine straight hours!
“Not only are we covering the facilities with prayer,
but it is a positive witness to the community,” he said.
“Got several honks from supporters and some angry honks
as well as a few unpleasant hand-signals from those who
relish what they see as a right to take a human life.”
All in all, he said, it was a good learning experience.
“Between the fasting and the general fatigue that comes
with nine hours of prayer, I was spent,” said the pastor.
“Spiritual warfare like this is not for wimps!”
Day 22 - October 13
Intention:
May those who hold life as trivial realize that we live because God wills it so.
Scripture:
Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
-- Job 12:9-10
Reflection:
Job was a man acquainted with grief, trials and tribulation. He had everything taken from him, including his family. He endured sickness, ridicule and judgment from his friends. Everyone gave him advice about his situation, questioning his spirituality and his God. Job's circumstances were bad but he never loses faith. Why? Because "the hand of the Lord has made all life." Created by God, he knows his life has meaning and purpose, regardless of the circumstances.
In our present culture, we've lost that basic truth; every life is made and allowed to live by God's sovereign authority. As people who pride ourselves on our independence, we have a hard time acknowledging our dependence on God. From our creation, when we were knit together in our mother's womb to our last breath, God's word is clear that "in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."
It's time for us as individuals, and as a society, to recognize that we exist by God's grace and turn back to Him, honoring His word and His teachings. Why? Because our world is full of Jobs, people who are dealing with trials and tribulations and hurting desperately. Job's response should be ours as well. Regardless of what we face (even an unplanned pregnancy) God in His wisdom and mercy will redeem it. How do I know? Job's friends who doubted God's sovereignty cry out to God asking for help, God instructs Job to pray for his friends and after he does, God restores all that Job had lost. In other words, because Job never lost faith and knew and trusted His Creator, the Lord blessed Job.
Prayer:
Thank you Father God for being the Creator of my life and every life. Please give me, and the society in which I live, an appreciation for your gift of life. Please help us set aside our pride and acknowledge that we need you. Show me how I can honor you today in response to all the blessings you bestow so freely. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Georgette Forney
President, Anglicans for Life
Today’s email:
Ready for another international tour?
We never imagined how far God would take 40 Days for
Life from where it started — in Bryan/College Station,
Texas — six years ago.
Last week, I showed you photos from Canada, England
and Denmark that demonstrated how people are responding
to God’s call to pray and fast for an end to abortion.
Well, here’s more from around the globe ... plus a
U.S. location, too. Come along to Austrailia, Ireland
... and back to Texas.
Adelaide is conducting its first 40 Days for Life
campaign right now — autumn for most of us, but it’s
springtime Down Under!
“Our campaign is going exceedingly well,” said Lionel,
the local coordinator. “We have met many new people
even from different faiths and churches.” An average
of about 30 people have been to the vigil site to pray
each day.
Response has been quite favorable. The local team
expected protesters — a group applied for a permit —
but they’ve only been seen twice during the campaign.
To see photos of the Adelaide campaign, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1274
“I am sure that God is working numerous miracles,”
Lionel said, “and at the proper time He will disclose
to us whom He has saved.”
Northern Ireland has been participating in 40 Days for
Life for several campaigns now, coordinated by Bernadette
Smyth of the Irish pro-life organization Precious Life.
Abortion is not permitted in Northern Ireland, but there
are constant efforts under way to change that. Plus there
are organizations that help women travel to nearby
England, where abortion is legal.
“In Northern Ireland, we are urging people to join our
daily vigils outside the Family Planning Association’s
abortion referral agencies in Belfast and Derry,” she
said. “As part of the community outreach component of
the campaign we are encouraging people to take the pro-
life message out onto the streets.”
To see photos of 40 Days for Life in Northern Ireland,
please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1274
“Northern Ireland has hundreds of churches filled with
pro-lifers and two abortion referral centres,” Bernadette
wrote on her web page. “What are we waiting for?”
El Paso is on the Rio Grande — the border between
Texas and Mexico — so it certainly has an international
flavor. There are two abortion centers there where
40 Days for Life vigils are being held.
We got a quick note from Gabriela in El Paso: “20 lives
saved since September 22!” The prayers of the volunteers
at these two vigil sites are certainly making a difference.
David Bereit, the national director, of 40 Days for Life,
recently visited there. You can see photos of both El Paso
vigil locations if you go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1274
Earlier in this campaign, one of the staff members at one
of these facilities quit her job. She recently drove past
the vigil to wave hello — on her way to her new job.
Gabriella described this as “the best feeling ever.”
She added, “Thanks to all who are praying to end
abortion.”
Day 23 - October 14
Intention:
We pray for the strength to love those who do not love us.
Scripture:
But the Lord said "You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in the night and perished in the night. And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left, and much livestock? Should I not be concerned about that great city?"
-- Jonah 4:10-11
Reflection:
God doesn't value people and things like we do. Jonah loved a shade tree more than an entire city of sinful people. We love our dogs more than a terrorist. We love our cars more than a beggar on the side of the road. And sometimes, we love our money more than a child growing in a desperate teenager's womb.
But God isn't like us. Genesis 1 tells us that humans were the capstone of God's creation. We were created on the sixth day after God had completed the land, the stars, the plants and the animals. Therefore, His love for us is greater than His love for a plant, an animal, or any other created thing. And the book of Jonah tells us that He loves even the most sinful people and seeks to bring them into His merciful arms. And it's a love that seeks to touch all of his created children: that desperate teenager, the baby growing in her womb, even tyrants and terrorists. So it's up to us to imitate God's merciful love by helping and praying for those who persecute us, and those who don't love us back.
Prayer:
Gracious God, loving our enemies seems like one of most difficult things you could ask of us. Please remind us that this is how you love and that if you ask it of us then you will give us the grace to do it. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Dennis DiMauro
Lutherans for Life representative to the National Pro-life Religious Council
Today’s email:
Have you been to pray at a 40 Days for Life vigil yet?
Some people are physically unable to, others are too far
away from one of the locations. But for many — including
me, at first — there’s fear.
People will ask, “What do I do?” or “What sign should
I bring?”
The answer is simple — the only sign you really need to
bring is yourself — for you represent God’s love at the
most crucial moment for the woman and her baby.
Fear of the going to pray at the abortion facility is
common — and normal. In fact, I recently gave a speech
on fear at the national Students for Life conference as
they prepared to equip students for this fall’s 40 Days
for Life campaign.
To hear my short talk about fear of praying in front
of the abortion facilities, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1281
YOU are the sign — the sign to women arriving for
abortions that someone cares, that God cares, and
that there IS another way.
40 Days for Life prayer volunteers in Dallas noticed
two women sitting in a car outside the abortion facility
— a center that does late-term abortions. One of the
women appeared to be several months into her pregnancy.
The women just sat and watched the people praying.
Occasionally, they held their heads in their hands.
Then they watched again. A prayer volunteer reports that
they eventually decided to leave — and one more life
was saved.
“We had no idea we would experience another life saved
by the grace of God,” said Lauren in Dallas. Reflecting
on the 3,000 lives saved through God’s mercy at 40 Days
for Life prayer vigils, she added, “Do we have any idea
how this will change the world?”
To see a picture of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Dallas,
please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1281
A Knights of Columbus group joined the 40 Days for Life
vigil in Akron recently, with members taking turns
praying at this late-term abortion center over a 10-hour
period.
Bob, one of the Knights, had noticed a young woman going
into the center while he was praying. A short time later,
she came out and simply told him, “I changed my mind.
I’m not having an abortion.”
Around lunchtime, Mike saw a woman who was visibly
pregnant enter the building. Mike kept praying. It wasn’t
long before this woman and her two companions walked out.
“I’m keeping this child,” she said.
“This just emphasizes the need for the prayer vigil,”
said Greg in Akron. “If we weren’t having an effect,
they wouldn’t have security guards and escorts to
prevent us from speaking to the women going in ... but
they do see us outside there praying.”
I’ve talked before about the Planned Parenthood abortion
mega-center in Houston. Today I’d like to show it to you.
It’s a former bank building along busy Interstate 45,
and it is one of the largest abortion facilities in
North America.
To take a look, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1281
There’s a big black fence and a gate. They’ve painted
“no trespassing” in green on the driveway, and escorts
speak sternly to anyone who crosses the line, even
though it is now a bit faded and hard to see.
But the fence and the escorts and the faded green
letters can’t keep out your prayers.
The picture shows one person kneeling in prayer. One
person. And as we know. one person CAN make a difference.
And that one person can be YOU!
If you haven’t prayed at a 40 Days for Life vigil yet,
why not do so today?
Here’s the link to the participating locations:
http://40daysforlife.com/location.cfm
Day 24 - October 15
Intention:
Pray that God will continue to bless the efforts that have gone into the 40 Days for Life campaign, as we trust Him for the results.
Scripture:
Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand. O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name.
-- Nehemiah 1:10-11
Reflection:
Nehemiah provides an awesome blueprint for volunteers in God's service, particularly those responding to the devastation abortion has caused our nation.
Nehemiah grieved for God's reputation as he witnessed the condition of the city walls of Jerusalem. The walls were broken down which was seen by neighboring people as a sign of weakness on the part of Jerusalem's God. No wall meant no security for the city and its people.
We learn from his story that he covered every detail in prayer; inspired others to join the cause; organized others to help do the work; confronted opposition directly and turned to God when discouraged; and finally celebrated what was accomplished and gave God all the glory!
Like Nehemiah, we must acknowledge God's sovereignty as we serve Him before a mocking world. We too need to be reminded that we are "fighting" for our families. We too must have an attitude of confession and repentance before a Holy God. We must pray for strength, refute slander, and not be diverted from our work.
Like Nehemiah, we will draw attention from the enemy when we are seeking to protect the well-being of God's people. We too must stand firm and seek God's help to persevere until the task is done. We too will be victorious.
Prayer:
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in heaven and in the earth is Yours. We pray for your continued guidance and protection throughout the remainder of this 40 day campaign. May we be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in Your work, knowing that our labor will not be in vain. We pray in the name of Jesus, amen.
Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" Talk Show
Today’s email:
In response to all of the information we’ve shared
about the international outreach of 40 Days for Life,
I’ve received two notes of encouragement ...
... from the Philippines!
“As we continue to pray for our mission, please also
remember in your prayer that our country, the
Philippines, not legalize abortion,” wrote Sister
Guadalupe. So-called reproductive health legislation
has drawn strong opposition from religious leaders
and is currently on hold in the Philippine congress.
“Horrible to comprehend, but I hope God won’t allow
it,” she said. “Keep up the good work and God bless.”
“I am so grateful to God that there is still a group
of people who valued life and who remains faithful to
God’s teaching,” wrote Elna. “I am with you in my
prayer and sacrifices.”
Elna noted with sadness the number of babies throughout
the world who are lost to abortion every minute, but is
hopeful this tragedy can be brought to an end. “Thanks
to your care for life,” she said. “You are there to be
a reminder. You are there to give hope. You are there
to announce love.”
Please keep the Philippines in your prayers — and who
knows? 40 Days for Life may come to their nation, too!
The 40 Days for Life vigil in Virginia Beach is being
held in front of a brand-new Planned Parenthood abortion
center — a modern-looking building on the edge of a
minority community.
About 100 people gathered in front of the facility on
Monday evening for a midpoint rally — with 40 Days for
Life national director David Bereit and his family among
them. The group represented a cross section of the
community — black, white, Asian, Catholic, Evangelical,
Protestant — all united to pray for an end to abortion.
To see some photos, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?
“To date we know of three babies that have been saved,”
said Louantha, one of the local coordinators, “and
hopefully there are many other mothers who have changed
their minds but just didn’t let us know.”
“It is a rare time to witness a save during the 40 Days
for Life campaign,” wrote Judy in Birmingham, “but I was
present for two saves simultaneously! Yes — TWINS!”
Prayer volunteers watched as a young woman, her
boyfriend and her grandmother walked into Planned
Parenthood. The grandmother seemed downright unfriendly.
Judy said “she went inside for a half hour — and came
out a totally transformed woman.
What happened during that half hour? “The prayer
volunteers on the sidewalk prayed fervently for the
woman’s granddaughter,” Judy said, “a very young woman
determined to abort her babies. When she came out ...
she said that she had decided to keep her babies.”
The grandmother, who was standing beside her, said,
“Yes, she’s having TWINS!”
“It was indeed a rare and joyful moment,” said Judy.
“We all smiled and thanked God for His gift of life
— in this case, GIFTS of life.”
And thank YOU for your continued prayers!
Day 25 - October 16
Intention:
We pray for the conversion of all those who refuse to acknowledge that human life belongs only to God.
Scripture:
Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."
-- Jeremiah 1:4-5
Reflection:
To be or not to be? There is no question!
The question of "being" is something philosophers have long pondered. What is the meaning of being and what is the source? In the passage before us, we have our answer. We have being because we are known by God.
For God to declare that he knows and sets apart the prophet Jeremiah even before he is conceived indicates that our being rests in God's own being. Because He is and because He wills we, therefore, are and do. The Apostle Paul says as much when he declares before the philosophers of his day, "In Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).
One of the tragedies of the abortion culture is that life in the womb has been so heartbreakingly devalued. To embrace the arguments of the "pro-choice" crowd one must conclude that the child in the womb doesn't exist, isn't there, has no being. But nothing could be further from the truth. That child is known by God and, as such, has being.
Prayer:
Lord God, we confess that in You we live and move and have our being. Because You are, we are. May we find grace from You to affirm the being of every human and may we labor to make this truth known to the world around us. Amen.
Rev. J. Kirk van der Swaagh
Pastor, Conservative Congregational Christian Conference
Want to get the word out about your 40 Days for Life
campaign in the local newspaper? Letters to the editor
and local opinion columns are doing just that in many cities.
Editorial pages are among the most-read sections of the
paper and are usually fair game for abortion topics.
They can work in a big way to bring the campaign to
people — and they can stir hearts and minds about
abortion in your community.
The Nevada Appeal published a very supportive column
written by Doug Stewart, who is the youth director of
a local church.
“The mission of 40 days for life is simple,” he wrote,
“to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of
unity during a focused 40-day campaign of prayer,
fasting and peaceful activism, with the purpose of
repentance, to seek God’s favor to turn hearts and
minds from a culture of death to a culture of life,
thus bringing an end to abortion.”
Doug says the campaign helps renew his faith. “40 Days
for Life proves prayer works. It’s so heartwarming to
hear about a ‘save’ at the clinic, when someone has
reached out and was able to change a woman’s heart,”
he wrote.
“I feel strengthened when I hear the stories of prayer
warriors enduring unkind words and gestures and
responding with silent prayer,” he said, adding, “I
hope some of you will choose to be prayer warriors too.”
Johanna Miller wrote to the Wausau Daily Herald to
respond to an earlier letter writer who was critical
of the campaign and claimed that abortion was
controversial and complex.
In her response, Johanna pointed out that this writer
“resorts to name-calling to defend her position,”
referring to vigil participants as “anti-choice.”
“Choose what?” Johanna asked. “Choose to kill a
defenseless human being? Yes, I am against making that
choice, and will advocate for the restriction of that
choice.” She added that the peaceful pro-life presence
is “a reminder that women do not have to make a bad
choice to escape crises or difficult circumstances.”
The original letter writer claimed to be standing up
for women. However, Johanna said that opposing the
40 Days for Life vigil “because it makes you feel
uncomfortable is not standing up for women.”
“It is so good to see real hope and a living miracle
in a place that for years has been one of the most
sorrowful places in our state,” wrote Lou Seymour in
a letter published in the Billings Gazette.
“Around the clock, you can drive down Wicks Lane in the
Heights and see men, women and children praying in front
of the abortion clinic that claims hundreds of innocent
lives each year.”
Lou pointed out that these people are praying for the
women and families affected by these abortions, for the
workers at the abortion center and for an end to this
horrible practice.
“These people are your friends and neighbors who have
stepped up and joined others in the 40 Days for Life
campaign.”
Of the vigil itself, Lou said, “It’s quiet. It’s
respectful. It’s reverent. And it’s working. After two
40 Days for Life campaigns in Kalispell, the abortion
clinic there was shut down. With God, we can do this
in Billings.”
Day 26 - October 17
Intention:
That those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.
Scripture:
These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season, what you give them they gather in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.
-- Psalm 104:27-30
Reflection:
"I am a feather on the breath of God."
As the quote above portrays, we are upheld by the power and purpose of God. Our very existence on earth, from our body's first breath to its last, when we leave it to return home, is our Father's choice and happens only by His willing to do so.
He who created the universe also created that which is "me." I do not "have" a soul - I AM a soul, as well as a body. My entire purpose in this life is to find my way back to my Creator.
Prayer:
Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no truth but you. Do not let us fall prey to the evil one's lie that we may choose death. Remind us right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us know right now that you who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us choose life always.
Father, please let us hear your voice more today than yesterday. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign. Father, we're on our way. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.
Vera Faith Lord
Director, Alpha/Omega Life Ministry
Representative of the Orthodox Church to the National Pro-life Religious Council
With two weeks remaining in the fall campaign, on this
Sunday, let’s pause a moment to renew ourselves
spiritually for the remainder of this journey.
Here are stories from three local 40 Days for Life teams
that provide a glimpse into what’s gone on during these
past weeks. I hope you enjoy them.
“Prayer is not a spectator sport,” reads the title of a
40 Days for Life Dallas blog entry. Here’s that story:
There is prayer, and then there is PRAYER. On the
sidewalk outside Southwestern late-term abortion center,
we are witnessing PRAYER.
More than twenty students from Christ for the Nations
School of Spanish spent an afternoon facing the abortion
center in deep unwavering prayer.
It was a personal experience for each, yet united in a
communal effort, as they each recited individual prayers
aloud — some with hands raised, others kneeling, others
rocking, many with their eyes closed tight — oblivious
to everything except the focus of their prayers.
To see a photo of the vigil in Dallas, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1294
The only breaks they took from this intensity were for
the occasional prayer raised in song. Their visible
passion and fire was no doubt fueled by their keen
sense of the horrors that take place inside that
building every day.
“My friends in London have really taken this project to
heart,” said Robert, the 40 Days for Life coordinator.
To say the least, that is an understatement. Robert
estimates that between 500 and 600 people have taken
part in the London prayer vigil — maybe more.
He says the campaign has generated some 30 positive
news stories, hundreds of homes and businesses have
been visited during their door-to-door outreach, and
at least ten churches have pledged to increase their
support of the campaign.
Plus inquiries keep coming in from other countries:
Spain, France, Germany and Zambia now, in addition to
Russia, Ghana and Columbia as was reported previously.
To see a photo of 40 Days for Life in London, please
go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1294
Just prior to the midpoint of this campaign, the 40 Days
for Life team in Fort Wayne held a memorial service —
a memorial for all the babies lost to abortion over the
past year.
“There were hundreds that turned out to honor them,”
said Evelyn in Fort Wayne. “As part of the ceremony,
we released balloons for each week of the year, and
then announced how many abortions took place that week.”
To see some photos of the memorial service in Fort
Wayne, please go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1294
The event was covered by local TV crews, and even
made the front page of the local newspaper, the
Journal Gazette.
Clergy from Baptist, Lutheran and Catholic churches
spoke at the event.
“We mourn the death of these children who were denied
the right to life,” said Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, who
was quoted in the newspaper account. “Look upon their
mothers and fathers with mercy; lead them to
forgiveness.”
Day 27 - October 18
Intention:
We pray for humility in our work for God's Kingdom.
Scripture:
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
-- Philippians 2:5-8
Reflection:
There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we don't care who gets the credit.
Jesus Christ's life on earth exemplifies a total submission to the will of the Father. His humility, compassion, gentleness and thoughtfulness are reflected over and over again in the New Testament. He was God incarnate, yet He chose to be born to a humble, working class home.
How absurd it must have seemed to the rich and powerful that the Son of God, the Messiah, the one foretold by the prophets, the 'King of the Jews' was born and raised as a simple peasant.
During His thirty-three years on earth, He sought no riches, claimed no secular power and gathered no possessions. Yet, His short time on earth changed more lives, softened more hearts, and gave hope to more people, than all the rich and powerful human 'kings' combined. And, at the end of His life on earth, by dying on the cross, He opened the door to eternal life for those who heed his words and follow in his footsteps.
Prayer:
O Lord, help us follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Let us humbly and diligently work to restore legal protection for the unborn, the disabled, the medically dependent and all innocent children of God whose lives are threatened. Let us remember the old adage that "He can never lead who has not first learned to obey." And, Lord, grant us a peaceful heart as we labor in your name. Amen.
Ernest Ohlhoff
Outreach Director, National Right to Life
Yes, that’s right. As of this writing, there have been ...
... 317 babies — that we know of ...
... that God has saved from abortion ... in answer to
your prayers during this 40 Days for Life campaign!
There’s a story behind each of those lives ... so here
are just a few.
If you’ve followed these reports, you may remember
reading about Erin, the “wrong number” woman from
Indianapolis.
To quickly recap, Erin had scheduled an abortion last
spring. She called to confirm her appointment — or so
she thought. But she didn’t reach Planned Parenthood.
The phone that rang belonged to a 40 Days for Life
volunteer who was praying outside the abortion center!
To make a long story short, Erin canceled her abortion
and her daughter was born just a few days before this
campaign started.
Want to see a picture of Elena, Erin’s baby? Please
go to:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1307
But there’s more!
Prayer volunteers recently met Lori, who had driven
four hours from Kentucky for a counseling session —
the first step in the abortion process. The vigil
participants quickly got in touch with Elizabeth, the
pro-life counselor who had helped Erin.
Elizabeth learned that Lori had a small child ... and
was still suffering from a previous abortion. Lori
appreciated the offers of help, but still had doubts
about keeping her baby. So Elizabeth called Erin!
“Erin helped Lori to have the courage to trust God and
choose life for her unborn baby,” said Eileen in
Indianapolis. “Erin was pleased to be able to help
someone else.”
Please pray for Erin, Lori and all those who are
tempted to “choose” abortion.
40 Days for Life volunteers were encouraged to see a
large group gathered on a Saturday for a Walk for Life
from Calvary Chapel School. “But after they left,” said
Patti in Downey, “the steady stream of cars poured in
as usual and our hearts were heavy the rest of the day
with no apparent saves.”
Prayers did not go unanswered, however. On Monday, when
women come in for pregnancy tests and make appointments
for abortions, there were three abortion-minded women
who changed their minds for sure — and possibly two
others who left the facility after talking to prayer
volunteers and receiving literature.
“Our hearts were encouraged again, for we now know of
ten mothers in Downey who have chosen life since the
campaign began,” Patti said.
“People all over the city are beginning to pray and
churches are slowly but surely getting involved in this
our first campaign,” she added. “We are so thankful for
everyone’s prayers and to our faithful Savior who’s in
charge of this whole movement of His prayer warriors!”
“Great news from Saginaw!” said Robert, the local
40 Days for Life coordinator.
“A woman came out of the abortion facility and told the
prayer volunteers that she decided to not have the
abortion,” he said. “She took our help and information
brochure — and left smiling. The power of prayer and
witnessing is incredible!”
The 40 Days for Life team in Saginaw is also seeing
encouraging signs from people passing by. Two men were
praying outside the abortion facility when a woman
stopped and gave them a thumbs-up and said, “Keep
fighting the good fight!”
That’s my advice to you as well. Keep fighting the
good fight ... and please keep praying!
Day 28 - October 19
Intention:
We pray for the conversion of abortionists and all abortion advocates.
Scripture:
"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow."
-- Isaiah 1:16-17
Reflection:
God is just.
Inscribed around the inside of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, are the immortal words of Thomas Jefferson: "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just." If the deist, Jefferson, knew in the depths of his being that God is just, how much more ought we Christians to reflect on this profound truth? The justice of God, like his holiness and his purity, encourages us to seek justice for all people. It is the evil deeds and wrong, selfish attitudes of our modern society that have led to the cavalier acceptance of abortion and euthanasia. But, as Jefferson also said, "his justice will not sleep forever."
God is calling us today to seek justice, to encourage the oppressed, and to defend the orphans and widows of our society. It is a noble calling! It is one which every true believer, every God-fearing man and woman, should heed with no hesitation and no reluctance. To follow the God of justice and truth is to stand unequivocally for the right to life of everyone, especially the unborn, the physically disabled, and the terminally ill. God's word through the prophet Isaiah is as relevant in today's 21st century world as it was in Isaiah's 8th century BC world. May God's grace help us to defend the unborn's right to life as well as that of the already born.
Prayer:
O God, our heavenly Father, give us courage and wisdom as we seek to eradicate the evil in our society. Help us to realize that your divine Spirit alone can change hearts and minds so that all your human creatures may enjoy the fullness of life you intended for them. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
Rev. Ben Sheldon
President Emeritus, Presbyterians Pro-life and National Pro-life Religious Council
Heavenly Father,
You are our strength in the day of battle. May we never grow weary as we stand for Your truths. May we never relent, never give up until every last child is protected and loved, whether in the womb or outside of it. May our prayers be filled with the faith to move mountains. Make us instruments of Your peace as we offer these petitions in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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