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Speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves
requires effort.

At times, it’s downright hard. But it’s also necessary.
And prayer sustains us. Here are some examples from
Alberta, Colorado and Michigan.

CALGARY, ALBERTA

“It’s both heartbreaking and encouraging.” So said one
of the volunteers in Calgary, who is praying for an end
to abortion.

“We stood on the street corner where we are allowed to
stand and prayed, silently and aloud,” she wrote in the
local 40 Days for Life blog.

The blog also notes that the vigil is restricted in
Calgary because of a court order. They can only stand
across the street from the abortion center, and the
number of people praying at any one time is limited.

“We watched young women go in — several alone,” she
said. And she cried.

“It’s not just the abortions that represent brokenness
but the loss of family, the loss of parents who will
stand up for their children and protect them, the loss
of men and women who will stand by their training and
protect life instead of taking it away.”

When this can go on across the country, she said,
society is broken. “I will continue to pray and
continue to go.”

To see photos of the Calgary vigil, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2445

FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

Fort Collins is in the midst of its second 40 Days for
Life campaign. “This is a growing, grassroots pro-life
effort,” said Linda in Fort Collins.

The vigil is across the street from Colorado State
University. The first campaign drew a lot of negative
attention. Not so this time.

“Also, there are about 30 churches involved at some
level — and five have the big 40 Days for Life banner
proudly displayed on their buildings for all to see,”
she said.

The campaign is getting a big boost from a nearby
Catholic church “whose new pastor has opened his heart
and arms and that of the parish to the 40 Days for Life.”

This church is hosting 40 Days for Life events — and
they’ve set aside space for what they’re calling the
40 Days Cafe. Coffee and other drinks are available –
and a nearby restaurant has donated food for breakfast
and lunch.

“This has been a very great blessing for all concerned,”
Linda said.

I was able to meet Linda and the 40 Days for Life team
in Fort Collins. Here’s a link to the photo:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2445

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

Lisa from Grand Rapids sent me a note about Pete, a
10-year-old who’s come up with his own unique concept
of fasting for 40 Days for Life.

During this campaign, Pete’s mom said he is fasting ...
from warm baths! From Day 1 through Day 40, it’s only
cold water for Pete.

“I was speechless,” his mom said. She has been fasting
from chocolate. “Here I am whining inside about my
chocolate withdrawal — and my 10-year-old is taking
cold baths for an offering!”

Lisa said, “Clearly, Pete can teach us all something
about fasting!”

Day 26 - October 23

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