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You are welcome. Here is today’s email:

Prayer is required in the pro-life movement. If
we just run out the door to try to save the world,
we’re only going to make it about 10 minutes.

Abortion is overwhelming; but when we have prayer,
and not ourselves, as the foundation ... our faith
in Christ really can move mountains.

When we ask people if they’ve experienced spiritual
growth through their participation in 40 Days for
Life, the answer is an overwhelming “YES!”

Sometimes it is expected. Sometimes it’s not. Of
course ... we pray, hope and act to save babies,
help women and show mercy to abortion workers. But
most often, it is our own hearts that our Lord is
working on during these 40 days.

Here are the thoughts of several volunteers, taken
from the 40 Days for Life blog — in their own words.

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS

“This was my first year to participate in 40 Days for
Life. I had been wanting to get involved in the
pro-life cause for some time now, and I happened to
hear about 40 Days for Life on Facebook.

“I drove three hours to pray outside of the Planned
Parenthood in Fayetteville ... this is the town where
six years ago to the day I found out that I was
pregnant and scheduled an abortion. Thankfully, a
pro-life group was there for me and helped me make
the right decision. I have a beautiful 5-year-old
daughter now.

“I was really wanting a chance to ... pay forward the
kindness once shown to me. But even better than that,
not a single person arrived at the clinic the entire
time we were praying outside! It was a blessing just
to be there and take part.

“99% of the people passing by in their cars waved
approval at us, blew kisses, pointed at children in
their back seat or honked. People are beseeching God
to end abortion and He is answering our prayers.”

CLEVELAND, OHIO

“We are praying in Cleveland in front of SurgiCenter
that has been killing unprotected unborn children as
old as 19 weeks for years — and is where I walk my
40 Days for Life prayer vigil. It is on a city street
that some passing cars beep their encouragement to me,
a 69-year- old man, who never expected to be praying
in public protest to anything.

“God has called me to step out in faith to stand up and
walk in reverence in support of 40 Days for Life. It is
an empowering experience for me that combines prayer,
meditation and action. My effort is rewarded many times
over with a spiritual and physical renewal.”

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

“We are so overjoyed to report ... the San Jose prayer
warriors and sidewalk counselors met and helped a
woman decide on life for her child!

“We prayed and listened to her story. She had no money
for gas, so I drove her ... to get spiritual counseling
and personal support. She has hope in the world now,
because as she told me in my car, ‘I’m glad I met you,
too. There are good people in this world.’”

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

“Just being at the prayer vigils here in Memphis is a
spiritual blessing filling me with joy. It’s beautiful,
especially considering some of us are from different
‘flavors’ of Christianity, but one in Christ.

“One of our leaders patiently listened to an angry
man unload all his objections to the pro-life cause
and the church. She quietly and lovingly answered
all his questions.

“Although many drivers shout thanks, wave and honk
in a friendly way ... a very angry driver laid on
his horn ... and another irate driver screamed an
obscenity at us. We felt blessed, and were reminded
of our brothers and sisters who suffer much worse
for the sake of Christ.

“Thank you, faithful 40 Days for Life leaders and
fellow prayers, for offering me this wonderful
opportunity.”

Day 37 - November 1

Intention:

Pray that we will each submit ourselves this day as a living sacrifice to God, giving all that we have in us for those being sacrificed on the altar of convenience.

Scripture:

-- Romans 12:1

Reflection:

Since all things are for His glory, we are to offer ourselves for that purpose. This of course is in sharp contrast to those who are being swayed by the enemy to sacrifice their babies on the altar of convenience, rather than choosing to surrender their all, including their unborn child, to the Lord for His purposes.

A career, education goals, or even a boyfriend can unknowingly become an idol for some young women. In their minds, abortion is a convenient way to "rid themselves" of an obstacle in the way of their "worship."

In light of the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf, and the fruit of God's mercies on our lives, we owe God our highest form of praise and worship. Presenting our bodies as living sacrifices is therefore reasonable service.

We were made to worship God and God alone. The enemy who seeks worship for himself distorts God's truth regarding worship, sacrifice, idols, and children.

As you have given of yourself to rescue those who are perishing -- the young woman and her child -- you are worshiping God in the truest sense of the word.

May your example lead an abortion minded client to turn from her idols to worship the one true God, sparing her child from the altar of convenience, and sparing herself from a lifetime of regret.

Prayer:

God Almighty, You alone are worthy of our praise and worship. Having accepted Your Son's sacrifice on my behalf, I in turn present my body to you as a living sacrifice. Thank you for deeming me holy and acceptable because of Christ's shed blood for me. I pray that you would use me as your vessel to rescue others who are perishing. Through Christ who is Our Glory, Amen.

Carmen Pate
40 Days for Life board of directors