Pray for fathers who participated in the decision to abort their child, and for those who did not have a voice, that they would find freedom and healing in Christ.
SCRIPTURE
If indeed you have heard Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
-- Ephesians 4: 21-23
REFLECTION - by Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life
According to the Guttmacher Institute, one-third of American women will have had an abortion by age 45. Seldom reported however is the fact that an equally significant number of men have played a role in terminating a pregnancy.
Some have participated through persuasion, or by providing the financial means for the abortion. Still others were against an abortion, but had no sway in the decision to terminate their child.
Only in recent years have we realized that men suffer from their loss, as more and more seek healing.
Warren Williams, founder of Fathers and Brothers Ministries says he believes men are coming forward for help because God instilled in men a desire to be a protector of their lineage, a provider for their families, to be a husband and father.
Men are suffering and grieving the loss of their children, and though their grief may be expressed differently than that of a woman, it is grief nonetheless and they too need tender care and biblical counseling to experience forgiveness and healing.
Intervention at the appropriate time in the decision-making process may spare both the young man and woman from the lifelong pain and trauma of abortion. Biblical counseling for post-abortive men and women is essential for them to heal and begin their life anew in Christ.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, We pray for young men who participated in the termination of their child and are broken as You are over their loss.
Forgive their sin, Lord, and bring opportunity for healing and renewal of their minds in Christ Jesus.
For those suffering from an abortion they did not choose, restore their joy as they learn to forgive others and trust You with their future. In the name of Christ, who heals the brokenhearted, Amen.
Open your mouth for the speechless,
In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And plead the cause of the poor and needy.
(Proverbs 31: 8-9)
Holy God,
Grant that each father in this nation would be convicted in his heart to support and love the mother of his children, and that together they would nurture and protect the babies that have been given them. Place in each parent the desires of Your heart. Show them the blessings of commitment and faithfulness as they seek Your strength and wisdom in raising each child. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Amen, Sister Faith, and I’m Lifting Prayers with you.