From Shawn Carney, Campaign Director
As hard as it may seem to believe, the number of abortion centers open on Sunday is increasing. So ...the need for prayer is increasing as well.
Even at locations that are closed on Sundays, God is providing blessings for those who answer the call to pray and fast for an end to abortion -- and cover these places with prayer on the Lord’s Day.
Here's an example from one of those campaigns.
HANOVER, PENNSYLVANIA
"Sundays have typically been a hard day to fill on the vigil calendar," said Chris in Hanover.
As last weekend approached, there were prayer times with no volunteers. So she sent out invitations by email and posted information on Facebook. That helped draw in a few volunteers, but there were still hours where no one had signed up.
On Saturday, a local newspaper, the Evening Sun, featured a story about the campaign. Chris hoped that would draw more volunteers. But when she left for church on Sunday morning, the midday and afternoon hours were still not covered.
"At that point there wasn't much more I could do, so I just asked God to please touch someone's heart to come and be at the vigil during the missing hours," she said. "And God provides!"
When she got home, she learned that people had made commitments to go out and pray. "So now on our first Sunday of the campaign, with temperatures barely reaching 29 degrees and wind factors making it feel like 15 degrees, we finally had all our hours covered."
At one point that afternoon, there were TEN people praying in front of Planned Parenthood. And God didn't just provide volunteers; He provided testimonies about choosing life.
A family participating in the vigil told of their daughter's pregnancy. Because of a physical condition, there was concern that she could not survive the delivery. Doctors encouraged abortion -- advice that the young woman soundly rejected.
"Today, 14 years later," Chris said, "both mother and daughter are well. Praise God!"
Later, a couple arrived at the vigil site. The woman got out of the car, bringing hot chocolate and coffee to the prayer volunteers. She also told her story.
Eight years ago, she had an abortion. "She said thatif people like us were standing out and showing their care and concern then as we are now, she is sure she would not have had the abortion," Chris said. "But she knows God has forgiven her, and she is now blessed with three small children who were along in the car with her husband."
As the volunteers thanked them for stopping, the woman’s husband assured them that "God is watching over you."
Chris was reminded of something her grandchildren had learned at vacation bible school:
God is great ... all the time!All the time ... God is great!
"And boy, does it express the feelings for this past weekend!" she said. "God loves us, He provides for us,He hears and answers us -- all the time!"
Today's devotional is from Carmen Pate, a member of the 40 Days for Life board of directors.
DAY 12 INTENTION
Pray to God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, to end abortion in America.
SCRIPTURE
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.-- Ephesians 3:20-21
REFLECTION
by Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life
God's power working in and through His people is unlimited and far beyond our comprehension when we submit to God's Word and Spirit. He receives glory when we are obedient to His calling and faithfully serve Him in His strength.
Consider God's hand of providence on this nation because of the faithfulness of a few who were totally committed to God and His truths.
It is interesting to note the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta: "Yours is the one great nation in all history which was founded on the precept of equal rights and respect for all humankind, for the poorest and weakest of us as well as the richest and strongest."
Mother Teresa, in addressing the Supreme Court of the United States said, "Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. I have no new teaching for America. I seek only to recall you to faithfulness to what you once taught the world.
She continued, "Your nation was founded on the proposition very old as a moral precept, but startling and innovative as a political insight that human life is a gift of immeasurable worth, and that it deserves, always and everywhere, to be treated with the utmostdignity and respect."
It is time to restore that dignity and respect. Our God is able. Are we willing to remain faithful until His work through us is done?
PRAYER
God Almighty, Who is powerful and willing to supply, our hearts cry in unison for You to restore dignity and respect to human life, not only in America, but around the world.
Lord, may our hearts remain faithful to your calling, and may You begin Your transforming work with me.
Keep me ever mindful that with You Lord, nothing is impossible; without You, I can do nothing. To You be glory forever and ever, Amen.
If you have stories to share about your own involvement in this 40 Days for Life Campaign, please respond here
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