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Bless you!

Many people think there can be nothing more depressing
than praying in front of an abortion facility.

I admit it. On the surface, it sounds glum — and we’ve
talked about the darkness. But, because of prayer, there
is also great peace and joy at a place that otherwise
has no peace and has no joy.

Here are a few examples of how Christ’s light and peace
are shining at 40 Days for Life vigils.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

“A girl yelled at me for just standing there on the
sidewalk, because she said I didn’t understand these
women’s situations,” said Stefanie in Memphis. “I just
smiled ... and said I would love to talk to her.”

To Stefanie’s surprise, the girl got into a conversation
with her.

“She told me it was not a baby at two weeks,” Stefanie
said. “I explained to her the baby has distinct DNA
like no other person. But if I had not just kept smiling
and being sweet to her, she would have driven off.”

Later, a woman and two men showed up with a homemade
sign that suggested God had no place in a discussion
of abortion. Women could choose whatever they want,
the woman said.

“So obviously we are bothering them by being out
there,” Stefanie said. She tried to talk to them, but
they just got angry and walked into Planned Parenthood.
Stefanie just kept smiling.

She said one of the other prayer volunteers “feels that
these people heard what they needed to hear — and we
had planted a seed.”

GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA

Steve in Glendale says the 40 Days for Life campaign
has had to deal with temperatures near 100 degrees.
“But that has not stopped us from being present to
stand for the preborn and the women that are harmed
by abortion.”

He says there have been many blessings.

Business owners have brought cold water for the prayer
volunteers. Then a woman stopped by and promised to be
back later with something special. She returned with a
5-liter water bottle, a bag of ice, a pitcher and cups
— which were most welcome.

At the vigil, Steve met nine women from a prayer group.
“They met us at the unity rally,” he said, “and we were
blessed by their powerful witness to the local community.”

Steve said, “I want you to experience these blessings
as well. To do so, just come out and pray for an hour.
It’s that simple.”

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO

“If you have been out on the sidewalk in front of
Planned Parenthood,” said Michele in Colorado Springs,
“you know what a beautiful and majestic sight the
mountains are.” She could stand there for a very
long time praising God in the wonders and beauty of
His creation.

Sometimes, though, she wonders, “How can such peace
and such horror live so close together? The horror
of Planned Parenthood just attacks your very soul,
trying to take away all peace and hope as it steals
the peace and hope of those going in. So you vow
never to give up.”

Someday, she said, “I know the view will be restored
to what God’s creation should be. And I hope for
that day!”

Day 24 - October 21

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