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Here’s today’s update from Shawn Carney:

I’m fresh from a visit with a wonderful group of
volunteers at the 40 Days for Life vigil in St. Paul,
Minnesota — and I’ve got great news today.

One of our main prayers during these 40 days is that
children scheduled for abortion will be spared through
prayer, fasting and God’s love being shown in the
public right-of-way outside the abortion centers.

On the very first day of the campaign, God has already
answered those prayers — and shown again that your
peaceful efforts are worth it.

I hope you’re encouraged by these early blessings
from a diverse group of locations — England, Texas
and Oregon.

LONDON, ENGLAND

There are THREE 40 Days for Life locations in the
greater London area, and God has ALREADY provided a
huge blessing at the vigil site on Whitfield Street,
where volunteers are praying outside a Marie Stopes
abortion center.

Stuart got a call from the Good Counsel Network with
the news. One of the counselors at the vigil site had
spoken to a young woman, who became convinced that
abortion was the wrong answer.

The woman, he said, “is a foreign national, so as well
as offering her help, we will put her in contact with
other mothers from her country we have helped before.”

Stuart is asking volunteers to pray each of these
40 days that an abortion center in England will close
its doors forever.

He also sent a photo of the 40 Days for Life vigil,
taken around 12:15 am on Day 1. To see the picture,
go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3273

DALLAS, TEXAS

Close to 250 faithful gathered at a city park across
the street from the Dallas late-term abortion facility
where the 40 Days for Life vigil is taking place.
Kickoff rally participants signed up for vigil hours
while visiting with local pro-life ministries at
tables set up throughout the park.

The rally began with praise and worship, followed by
remarks from area pastors. Dave Sterrett, who serves
on the 40 Days for Life board of directors, gave the
keynote talk.

“A couple of special messages resounded throughout the
evening,” said Lauren Muzyka of the 40 Days for Life
national team. “Speakers highlighted the special role
that men play in defending the gift of life, as well
as the hope we have in God — that He is big enough to
conquer and end the evil of abortion in our land.”

To see a picture of the Dallas event, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3273

KLAMATH FALLS, OREGON

Diane said it was a beautiful day for the kickoff of
Klamath Falls’ first 40 Days for Life campaign — but
a tad windy, perhaps, as campaign literature “wanted
to take flight.”

The group gathered on the steps of the Government
Center, with a number of churches, a pro-life
pregnancy center and Oregon Right to Life represented.

“We started with music and speakers at the Government
Center, then walked around the building and across
the street to the vigil site for a brief talk,” she
said. “We closed with a group prayer for the vigil
and sang Amazing Grace.”

For a photo of the Klamath Falls event, go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3273

Day 3 - September 28

Intention:

We pray for God's gift of strength as we strive to protect human life during these 40 Days for Life.

Scripture:

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

-- Matthew 6:25-26

Reflection:

Billions of dollars are spent each year on diet plans. But Jesus tells us to stop worrying so much about our bodies, and instead to trust in God's care for our physical needs.

What would happen if the people who had started on a low-carb diet this year had instead gone on a diet of heavenly food? For non-believers that diet would include trusting in Christ for their salvation, and for believers it would include a renewed prayer life, a new Bible study, or even a spiritual fast. This diet doesn't include giving up on certain kinds of foods. What this diet includes is giving up on anxiety by resting in the loving arms of Christ, trusting that He will provide.

Such a spiritual diet also frees us from our worries, and allows us to freely praise Him and serve others. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

This promised provision teaches us the inestimable worth of our lives. He will not allow us to go without. This intimate knowledge and care for human life on the part of our gracious God is what motivates us to seek for the preservation of human life in all its stages.

Prayer:

Loving heavenly Father, help us to see the worth of all human beings by the way in which you provide for us. We would ask that you provide also the faith, grace and courage to enable us to protect that which is so precious to you. Through Christ our Lord, amen.

Dennis DiMauro
Lutherans for Life