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40 Days for Life -- Pray to End Abortion
40DaysforLife.com ^ | 09-23-09 | various

Posted on 09/23/2009 9:50:26 AM PDT by Salvation

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To: All

Day 18 - October 10

 

Intention:

We pray for a flowering of the joy of parenthood.

Scripture:

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

-- Psalm 127:3-5

Reflection:

I still vividly remember the day my first child was born. As she came into the world I gazed upon the most beautiful little baby I'd ever seen. Later I was driving home from the hospital for a shower and a fresh change of clothes when a song came on the radio, "The Men in My Little Girl's Life" -- a ballad about being a father as he watches his daughter grow through childhood to womanhood. I wept as I listened, knowing those years would go by very fast… and they did.

Being a father, whenever I read the Psalm quoted above I'm always captivated by one word - "heritage." It basically means "something passed down from a preceding generation." That little girl I watched being born and wept for is not mine to give to God like a product of our fertility, but rather His, which he has entrusted to us. So are all her siblings.

My wife and I share a great treasure: precious lives, which are placed in our lineage that His life with us might be perpetuated. To the psalmist, this was a blessing from the Lawgiver, God Himself, who blessed Israel with another generation intended to continue their covenantal promise. For us in Christ, it is his gift of succeeding generations for His Church and her families.

These days I'm looking upon my grandchildren, and rejoicing that my children and their spouses will pass on the greatness of Christ's gospel to them and thus will continue the work of God in the world. What a blessing. What a heritage!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please keep me from taking for granted the gift of children. Help us to remember this heritage that you have given us. Make us faithful stewards of these precious lives, that each generation might be raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Randolph Sly
National Pro-life Religious Council


61 posted on 10/10/2009 9:52:14 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation
Today's email -- the red highlighting of a personal testamonial is mine!

It's Saturday, so you may find some unexpected
"guests" at the Days for Life vigil sites today. In
previous messages, I've mentioned some of the
abortion supporters who feel obliged to "challenge"
our prayer vigils, and Saturday seems to be the one
day of the week they find time to come out.

Sarah left a note on the 40 Days for Life blog that
sums up pretty well how to properly respond to these
highly vocal critics. "When I get ridiculed for
telling the truth, it only makes me pray more and
encourages me to tell the truth," she said. "Let's
never give up this good fight."

On a recent Saturday, a California abortion advocate
wrote in her blog that she went out to protest the
40 Days for Life vigil in Riverside. But when she
arrived, "I was told by the security guards that I
was the first counter protester they've seen this
whole two weeks!" She stayed for an hour and a half
and then gave up and went home.

The abortion groups and their supporters are driven
by ideology. The pro-life people are driven by faith.
There's no question that faith is stronger!

Please keep it up!

Speaking of Riverside, Pam -- one of the local
campaign leaders -- told me that volunteers for the
local 40 Days for Life participated in a community
Walk for Life, setting up a booth and distributing
pro-life information. "It was a great way to get the
word out and tell everyone about our midway event,"
she said. "There were 1,000 people at the park."

To see a picture of a few of the 40 Days for Life
team members in Riverside, go here:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=351

Rita expected company the first time she went to pray
at a 40 Days for Life vigil at a Planned Parenthood
facility. But she had none. No protesters, which was
good; but nobody else to pray with, which was at
first disappointing.

"I wished someone would come," she said, "but God put
it on my heart that it was a strong statement to see
one person, no picket signs, peacefully praying,
wearing a black shirt with bold white letters
spelling out, 'I Pray.' He was with me and that is
all that matters."

It was, to say the least, an emotional experience for
Rita, "especially when I thought about the fact that
behind those walls babies die a horrible death.
Afterwards, I held my one-month-old grandson and
wept."

Kelly in Southgate, Michigan said it's very rare for
the parking lot of the abortion center to be
absolutely empty on a Saturday, but that's exactly
what happened. The vigil participants were thankful
that no abortions were being done, and continued to
pray as planned.

But then a young, professionally-dressed woman pulled
up on the side street next to the vigil, parked her
car and approached quickly. She had her cell phone in
hand and started scrolling through the pictures on
her phone.

"I was here 10 years ago," she said. "I was going to
have an abortion. I mean I was in there and on the
table. But because someone like you was out here
praying, I just couldn't go through with it."

Then she found the picture she had been searching
for. "This is my son." There wasn't a dry eye among
the volunteers who were listening to her story.

"I just wanted to say thank you," she said. "What you
are doing here is SO worth it!"


As my family and I drive all across New England
visiting 40 Days for Life locations over the next few
days, we wanted to wish you a very blessed weekend!

What you are doing is indeed worth every moment,
every effort, every sacrifice.

62 posted on 10/10/2009 10:00:34 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
 

Day 19 - October 11

 

Intention:

We pray for a renewal of our zeal to offer generous help to the unborn and their families.

Scripture:

If I have despised the cause of my male or female servant When they complained against me, What then shall I do when God rises up? When He punishes, how shall I answer Him? Did not He who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One fashion us in the womb?

-- Job 31:13-15

Reflection:

The ground is level as we stand before God.

Job lived with an awe provoking sense of God's expectation of him, particularly regarding his obligation to care for the weak and needy. He knew that in God's economy everyone stands on level ground when it comes to our status as God's creatures. Because of that central truth, we must take care of each other.

Job also knew that he didn't deserve any of the good things God gave to him. Instead, those blessings came to Job from God's benevolent heart. As an extension of that knowledge, Job instinctively linked his obligation to be generous to others to God's kindness toward him.

As in Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-35), Job knew that it is an egregious sin to deny to others what we enjoy ourselves. He actually calls down on his own head severe condemnation and even punishment should he fail to share with others out of his own abundance (see verses 16-23).

Proverbs 3:27 reads, "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so." Some things are so obvious that we don't even need to pray except to ask of God forgiveness and the power to do what so obviously needs doing.

Prayer:

God, forgive us when we try to explain away the obligation we have to help others who need help. Enable us to not devalue them because they are in the circumstance that they are in, but to see them for what they are, those, who like us, were formed by your hand in their mother's womb. Amen.

Rev. Rob Schenck
President, Faith and Action, and National Clergy Council


63 posted on 10/11/2009 5:04:35 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation
Today's email --

Today my family and I visited 40 Days for Life
locations in Springfield, Massachusetts, as well as
Manchester and Greenland, New Hampshire. During those
visits we were told about five more lives saved from
abortion due to the prayers and faithful participation
of local 40 Days for Life volunteers. Praise God!

With 40 Days for Life campaigns going on in 212
different communities, it's hard to focus on any one.
But I keep hearing success stories from Lake Jackson,
Texas -- small victories, for the most part; but those
blessings add up.

Lake Jackson is a community about 45 minutes south of
Houston that is holding its first 40 Days for Life
campaign this fall -- even though there is NO abortion
facility there.

"As we ventured into this ministry, we had no idea
where God was going to plant us," said Shannon Hunt, a
local coordinator. The group eventually found a spot
to hold its vigil -- on a corner near a school.

It must indeed be a good place. People are certainly
noticing 40 Days for Life. Linda, one of the vigil
volunteers in Lake Jackson, said "we had many people
honk and wave in support of life. The Lord's presence
was felt and His power was seen."

One woman rolled down her window and shouted to Linda,
"My baby is alive because of you." The message --
delivered on a street corner in Texas -- is indeed
having an impact.

To see a picture from Lake Jackson's first 40 Days for
Life campaign, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=355

As is the case in many cities, the Lake Jackson
campaign is attracting numerous new people to pro-life
activity for the first time. "This is the first time I
am participating in something like this, and it is
awesome to share this experience," said Gabriella, who
noted the vigil has received very good feedback from
people driving by.

40 Days for Life is giving people something to talk
about -- and think about.

Tim said one of his co-workers was grateful for their
efforts. "It gave him a moment to reflect that he was
adopted and may not be here if laws 40-50 years ago
are what they are today. It was a great message of
validation."

The most amazing validation, however, is the fact that
three babies have been saved from abortion through
this community effort in a city that does not even
have an abortion clinic.

Shannon met a young couple who asked what the group
was doing. It did not turn long for the conversation
to turn to the young woman's pregnancy. Abortion had
been suggested. They had already visited a clinic in
Houston. But after talking with Shannon, the woman
said, "I can't go through with it."

Shannon thinks they were already turning away from
abortion when they stopped to talk. "But they needed
one more person to be excited for them; one more
person to affirm the direction they were heading; one
more person, maybe even a pregnant woman, to speak
God's truth one more time so they could finally make
up their mind," she said. "Grace had brought all of us
together."

You may have guessed that the "pregnant woman" sharing
the truth is the speaker, Shannon. (Congratulations,
Shannon!!) There was no one signed up for the vigil at
this particular hour, so even though she wasn't
feeling especially well, Shannon went out to pray.

"I was very, very sick the second I got home that day,
and did not get out of bed for the next three days,"
she said. "God's grace got me to that vigil site
during that empty hour. Imagine if no one had made
it."

As Shannon noted, "even in a town with no abortion
clinic, God is making a difference."

64 posted on 10/11/2009 5:05:15 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation
I was chatting with my priest after Mass today.

We talked about "that one" in Washington. I told him that after what happen on Friday, I was just happy that B16 did not declare him a saint.

65 posted on 10/11/2009 5:09:02 PM PDT by mware (F-R-E-E, that spells free. Free Republic.com baby.)
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To: mware
Sorry I posted prior to completing my comments.

We had a baby, Ava Maria baptized this morning. Fr. made it a point to again focus on how life must be defended.

Here is Ava Maria being dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JioaV87T3fE

66 posted on 10/11/2009 5:20:46 PM PDT by mware (F-R-E-E, that spells free. Free Republic.com baby.)
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To: mware

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JioaV87T3fE


67 posted on 10/11/2009 5:21:16 PM PDT by mware (F-R-E-E, that spells free. Free Republic.com baby.)
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To: mware

What a beautiful name. Congratulations. We had a baptism after Mass too.

I love it that all these babies are being born. It must drive the prochoicers nuts!


68 posted on 10/11/2009 5:24:50 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
 

Day 20 - October 12

 

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)


69 posted on 10/12/2009 8:36:41 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Faith; wagglebee; cpforlife.org; narses; MountainFlower
Today's email brought tears to my eyes!

Today marks the half-way point of the fall 40 Days for
Life campaign and, as a special treat, I just posted a
brand-new short video from the Augusta, Maine, 40 Days
for Life mid-point rally where I spoke yesterday and
my family met many heroic prayer warriors:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=363

I'll warn you in advance -- this video was shot with a
little pocket camcorder clipped to a sign and the wind
was gusting during parts of the rally. The picture and
sound are far from perfect, but I hope you still find
it inspiring. :-)

If you have a dial-up Internet connection and cannot
watch videos online, we also uploaded the audio from
the event which can be heard or downloaded on the same
web page:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=363

Now for a few of the great reports pouring in at this
mid-point of 40 Days for Life...

Brian in Norwich, Connecticut put out the call to the
40 Days for Life team. "This Saturday, Planned
Parenthood is holding their annual two-hour
demonstration against us," he wrote. "Please come and
show your support for life."

A small handful of Planned Parenthood demonstrators --
some of them paid Planned Parenthood employees -- did
indeed show up. But they were vastly outnumbered by
people who answered the call to pray for an end to
abortion.

The Norwich Bulletin published one photo of the event
that is quite telling. In the foreground there are a
few people holding pink Planned Parenthood signs.
Behind them, however -- and stretching far into the
distance along the sidewalk -- are people peacefully
praying.

To see the amazing Norwich Bulletin photo, go to:

http://tinyurl.com/ygolyub

The woman holding the "I regret my abortion" sign is
Nicole, who has been a strong voice and leader with
the 40 Days for Life effort in Norwich and a real
blessing to our work nationally.

Another blessing is the number of families who come
out to pray at 40 Days for Life vigils.

One example is the McIntyre family in El Paso, Texas
-- Mike, Laura and their nine children. Six of the
children took part in the vigil just last week.
Bethani, the 8-year-old, was singing "Jesus Loves Me"
as a young woman arrived.

She approached the clinic, but did not go inside. She
just sat down for about 15 minutes -- listening, as
Bethani sang.

Eventually, the woman got up and walked over to the
McIntyres and told them she had decided to keep her
baby. All it took to change her mind was the voice of
a young child singing praise to Lord from her heart.

The child had saved the child. One of the McIntyre
children noted, "So this is why we come here!"


Yvonne in California's San Gabriel Valley watched a
woman walk into the abortion center -- and leave a
short time later. Yvonne noticed the young woman was
holding a map with directions to a location that does
second-trimester abortions.

"She is five months pregnant," Yvonne said. "After
informing her of services available through local
pregnancy centers, churches -- as well as support from
all of us -- she decided to choose life for her baby."

And those are just two of the 219 children -- and
mothers -- spared from abortion during this 40 Days
for Life campaign so far!


Yet another blessing for 40 Days for Life is the
number of people who've had experiences with abortion
who deeply appreciate what you're doing.

Stan in Buffalo, New York was praying at the 40 Days
for Life vigil when a woman walked out of the nearby
dry cleaning shop and came over to talk. "She said
that her favorite sign was the one that offered
post-abortion hope and healing," he said. She confided
that she'd had a past abortion, but had found healing
and forgiveness in Jesus, and had been born again.

"She asked that we display more signs like that," Stan
said, "because so many women suffer so much from past
abortions. Please pray for those who live with regret
for a decision they can never undo. May they find what
this woman found."

Speaking of post-abortion healing, 40 Days for Life
will be joining with Operation Outcry for a special
outreach to those suffering in the wake of abortion.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 24. I'll be
bringing you more information in the days ahead.

70 posted on 10/12/2009 8:43:59 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: nickcarraway; Lady In Blue; NYer; ELS; Pyro7480; livius; Catholicguy; RobbyS; markomalley; ...
Pray with us during the last 20 days of the 40 Days for Life. You can make a difference.................read some of the email reports.

Find a location close to you and check it out!

 
 
Catholic Prayer Ping!
 
Please send me a FReepmail to be added or taken off the Catholic Prayer Ping List.
 

71 posted on 10/13/2009 5:46:17 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
 
 

Day 21 - October 13

 

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


72 posted on 10/13/2009 5:46:54 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation
Today's email:

Today, I'd like to tell you about a Christian
business owner who has a serious challenge on his
hands. I don't want to divulge any names or
locations, as I don't want any undue publicity to
complicate the situation. But I share his story so we
may all lift him up in prayer and ask for God to
provide strength and guidance.

This businessman owns a small shopping center in a
Hispanic neighborhood, which is also the location of
his specialty supermarket. About a year ago, he was
approached by an ob/gyn who wanted to lease office
space for a clinic.

The owner's only concern was whether the doctor
planned to do abortions. She assured him that she
would not, so he agreed to a three-year lease.

The local 40 Days for Life coordinator reports that
several months later, the health department cited the
clinic for various violations and shut the office
temporarily. Among the citations -- performing unsafe
abortions.

The doctor denied that abortions were performed at
her clinic, but independent investigations found
convincing evidence that the clinic offered both
chemical and surgical abortions. That evidence was
then presented to the shopping center owner.

The 40 Days for Life coordinator told the
businessman, "I do not envy you. And I do not
understand why God has you in this position. But this
I do know. God has promised in Corinthians that with
every temptation, He will provide a way of escape.
This is a promise from God!"

The 40 Days for Life team went to pray at the clinic
early one Monday and found that although the clinic
was open, it had no clients all morning. The doctor's
receptionist even came out and told the people
praying that she is "going to quit my disgusting job
in two weeks."

One week later, the clinic did not open its doors
all day.

The business owner told the clinic operator, "You
rented from me under false pretenses. I asked you if
you do abortions here and you said no. Now I find out
that you have been doing them all along. Now I want
something in writing from you that you will no longer
perform abortions here or you will have to take your
business elsewhere!"

The clinic owner complained that she has spent a lot
of money on renovations, so the landlord offered to
cut a deal if the abortions were stopped: "If you
tell me what percentage of your business is from
abortions, I will decrease your rent by that amount."

So far, there's been no response from the doctor, and
the doors remain locked. Phone calls to the clinic
are apparently being forwarded to another location,
where callers are told that no abortions will be done
at that clinic until November 6.

It's good news that this clinic is closed and not
performing abortions. It's good news that the
receptionist is seeking other employment. It's great
news that there's a business owner willing to stand
up for his convictions, regardless of the personal
cost. And this battle is taking its toll on him.

Breaking the lease would of course have a financial
price, plus there's the possibility that all of this
will end up in court.

"The clinic does have a signed three-year lease after
all," said the local 40 Days for Life coordinator.
"But the shopping center owner has taken a stand. I
told him twice when he told me this story, 'God is
going to bless you!'"

So please pray!

73 posted on 10/13/2009 5:52:28 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation

I signed up for the daily emails back when you first posted the 40 Days info. It has been such a blessing to pray for life each day. And I have been forwarding the emails to one of my sisters, who prays as well.

Thank you, Salvation, for all that you do.


74 posted on 10/14/2009 4:45:41 AM PDT by Bigg Red (Palin/Hunter 2012 -- Bolton for Secretary of State)
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To: Bigg Red

Not everyone realizes that they can receive the daily emails. They are great because the devotional is in them too — along with any pertinent news.

Thanks for sending it on to others.


75 posted on 10/14/2009 8:03:59 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
 

Day 22 - October 14

 

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


76 posted on 10/14/2009 8:04:38 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
Today's email is about anger amid the saving of lives of babies. Gives one pause.........Thank you, God, for protecting these pro-lifers from those who are so angry.

The last 36 hours have been a whirlwind as my family
and I visited more 40 Days for Life campaigns in New
England. We even encountered snow while driving from
the Burlington, Vermont 40 Days for Life to the one
in Hartford, Connecticut! See the picture at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=377

You know, there is great joy in this work we are
doing together and the blessings God is providing.

But it's also clear that there's much sadness and
hostility in this world -- and that's honestly not
surprising in a culture that tolerates the
destruction of the unborn.

The night before last, while my wife Margaret was
sharing words of encouragement with the assembled
volunteers at the Burlington, Vermont 40 Days for
Life vigil, a car load of college students drove by
and repeatedly screamed at the top of their lungs:
"There is no God!"

We pray for those who harbor such anger.

Guy in Ottawa, Ontario was praying at the 40 Days for
Life vigil one morning as people walked to work. "A
couple of people said hello and discretely indicated
their support for our prayers," he said. "This was
reassuring, yet I know deep down that there are many
who do not appreciate our presence here."

He would soon find out how true that is. A man
approached, mumbling something that Guy and his
colleague couldn't understand. He then swung his
fists in the air. "Next thing we know," Guy said, "he
starts to kick the signs and equipment that were
placed out for viewing and makes cursing remarks
about the church and pro-lifers. The whole scene
lasted about 20 seconds and seemed quite surreal."

Guy was ready to call the police, but the man turned
and walked away. "Although the experience left me
somewhat frazzled interiorly for the rest of the
hour," he said, "it made me realize that the angry
man was whom the Lord wanted us to pray for today. He
is just a sample of the many very angry people who
are living with a lot of interior pain and
resentment. Jesus died for them and wants to heal
them!"

To see a photo of several 40 Days for Life vigil
participants in Ottawa, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=377

There is also anger in the hearts of those who would
pressure mothers to abort their children. Karen in
Peoria, Illinois reminds us that we need to pray
"that God will protect them from those who are not
happy with their decisions to choose life."

One of the prayer volunteers in Peoria talked to a
woman whose boyfriend had threatened to kill her if
she didn't abort their baby.

She had left her home in another city -- and her
boyfriend had followed her. "Her baby is alive,"
Karen said. "She did not abort. She is not religious,
but knew that abortion was wrong." Please keep this
mother in your prayers.

To see a photo of 40 Days for Life vigil participants
in Peoria, please visit:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=377

Pray also, please, for a woman in Indianapolis,
Indiana. She had just discovered she was pregnant and
had come "to take care of it." Fortunately, Planned
Parenthood was closed.

Even more fortunately, Steve, one of the prayer
volunteers, had a chance to speak to her. Steve told
her Planned Parenthood did not "take care" of anyone.
He took her name and phone number and told her he
would contact people who could offer real help.

Eileen, the Indianapolis coordinator, said this
"choice" to seek abortion was an act of desperation
by a single mother. On the day she discovered that
she was pregnant -- and before she could tell her
boyfriend -- he told her he had just lost his job.

But now, knowing that local pro-lifers are willing to
help, she has found a better "choice" for her baby:
life!

"With God's grace," Eileen said, "she picked one of
the few days that Planned Parenthood is closed -- and
it also happened to be during our 40 Days for Life
vigil."

Nothing, of course, is a "coincidence" with God!

77 posted on 10/14/2009 8:10:59 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All

Day 23 - October 15

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


78 posted on 10/15/2009 9:10:41 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Faith; wagglebee; cpforlife.org; Coleus; narses
Good news in today's email -- a PP Clinic closes down in Montana!

We just got word that a Planned Parenthood abortion
center in Kalispell, Montana will be closing down for
good next month.

CLOSING!!

And -- you guessed it -- that facility was the
location of Kalispell's 40 Days for Life vigil this
past spring!


Planned Parenthood told the local media it is closing
the center for economic reasons -- or as Stacy James,
a Montana Planned Parenthood executive, admitted to
the daily newspaper, "We've not had the patient
numbers to keep the doors open."

She then went on to blame the economy, the recession,
the health care crunch and a lack of government
subsidies.

Ms. James said nothing at all, however, about the
40 days of prayer, fasting and constant vigil in
front of the Kalispell facility this spring.

Karen, the local 40 Days for Life coordinator in
Kalispell, had no doubt as to why the clinic is
shutting its doors forever. "Our heartfelt pleas to
God for an end to abortion here in Kalispell are
being answered," she said. "Let us rejoice in our
mighty God who has looked down upon His with such
great favor."

The Kalispell team is currently holding a 40 Days for
Life campaign outside another local abortion
facility, but the first thing they did upon hearing
the news about the closure was to return to the soon-
to-be-closing Planned Parenthood facility to thank
the Lord for this amazing victory.

To see photos of the celebration gathering, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=389

This now makes FOUR abortion centers where 40 Days
for Life vigils have been held that the doors have
been shuttered and these businesses have CLOSED
FOREVER. Praise God!

Where and when will the next closure come?

I'll trust the Lord to provide that information. But
for now, I'm hearing from a number of local teams
that abortion centers that are the sites of 40 Days
for Life prayer vigils are cutting their hours -- and
even closing their doors on days when abortions are
usually scheduled.

Could one of them be next to close? Let's pray!

When Ed arrived to pray at the 40 Days for Life vigil
in Everett, Washington on a day when abortions are
usually performed, he noticed a Planned Parenthood
volunteer outside the clinic. "A moment later, she
left and the doors were locked," he said. "I looked
over at the sign where the hours are posted and it
had changed."

The sign said: "CLOSED TODAY."

Ed's simple reaction: "Praise God!"

Prayer volunteers say business at this abortion
center in Everett is most definitely OFF. The
previous day had been very slow at Planned
Parenthood, and it looked like the only people there
were staff members.

As we have observed time and time again, Planned
Parenthood is a business about making money. If women
decide not to have abortions, they simply can't stay
open in a community.

Clinic hours were also cut back in Canton, Ohio.
"Planned Parenthood in Canton has posted a letter on
their door stating that they will be closed all
Saturdays during October due to administrative
needs," said Jill. The Saturdays, of course, all come
during 40 Days for Life. "Wow!" she added. "What a
coincidence!"

Obviously, it isn't really a coincidence. I have to
wonder if "administrative needs" is just their cover
story; could it be they're closed because they, just
like Planned Parenthood in Kalispell, are finding
they don't have enough customers to stay in business?

I hope and pray that is the case.

God is so good!

79 posted on 10/15/2009 9:14:37 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: All
 
 
    
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Day 24 - October 16

 

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


80 posted on 10/17/2009 12:45:18 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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