Posted on 03/04/2014 9:31:00 PM PST by Salvation
and Ride Girls and Boys. Prayers Said!
I completely get it.
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Want to end abortion? If you do, the first thing you must do is pray.
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Christ told us some demons can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. The two go hand in hand. Prayer keeps us rooted in the fact that it is our desire to carry out God's will. Fasting is a sacrifice that helps us reach beyond our own limitations with God's help.
Pray outside an abortion facility. Pray at church. Pray at work. Pray in the car. Pray at home with your family.
Each day during 40 Days for Life, individuals, churches, families and groups will be asked to join together in prayer for a specific request so the entire Body of Christ can unite around a common focus.
These specific prayer requests will seek God's help for:
People of faith are also invited to fast throughout 40 Days for Life. Christ said there are demons that can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. A fast is not a Christian diet; it is a powerful means of drawing closer to God by blocking out distractions.
Fast from certain foods. Fast from television. Fast from apathy and indifference. Fast from whatever it is that separates you from God.
We believe that when God’s people fast with a broken, repentant and contrite spirit, our heavenly Father will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation, and our world. Peaceful vigil
The visible, public centerpiece of 40 Days for Life is a focused, 40-day, non-stop, round-the-clock prayer vigil outside a single Planned Parenthood center or other abortion facility in your community.
It is a peaceful and educational presence. Those who are called to stand witness during this 24-hour-a-day presence send a powerful message to the community about the tragic reality of abortion. It also serves as a call to repentance for those who work at the abortion center and those who patronize the facility.
If you do not have an abortion facility or Planned Parenthood office in your town, you can still conduct 40 Days for Life; however, you will need to select a different location which has some strategic significance – perhaps near city hall, a courthouse, or a highly visible intersection. Community outreach
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During 40 Days for Life, the pro-life message is taken proactively to every corner of your community. Media outreach is conducted through carefully targeted news stories, talk shows, editorials and opinion pieces. |
This enables you to get the pro-life message out to many people who would never see the inside of a local church.
Church involvement begins by meeting with local pastors, other church leaders, and members of different congregations. The Body of Christ is invited to pray together and participate in 40 Days for Life, uniting in one focused mission that can save lives and make an eternal impact.
A door-to-door petition and education drive reaches out to every household in your town or city. Informational flyers are distributed in neighborhoods to raise awareness about the local crisis of abortion. Citizens are invited to sign a petition of support for the sanctity of human life, and people are given the opportunity to visibly show their support for 40 Days for Life by wearing wristbands, placing signs in their yards, or displaying bumper stickers on their vehicles.
This one activity alone can help a community rapidly identify hundreds, or even thousands, of pro-life supporters during the 40 days. These people can then be encouraged to pray and join local pro-life efforts.
If your community has a college campus, many students can be impacted through an intense 40-day campus outreach. This can consist of flyer raids, public witness, petition drives, table displays, and much more.
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The 40 Days for Life campaign is firmly rooted on a foundation of prayer and fasting. To help maintain focus on the Lord and stay in tune with His guidance, we have prepared a series of daily devotionals — one for each of the 40 days of this first campaign of 2014. |
We fervently believe that prayer and fasting will end abortion, and your prayers are very much needed and appreciated. Please follow the links below to read and meditate upon these brief reflections.
Printable versions are available; please click the link at the bottom of each devotional.
Devotional for Preparation, March 4, 2014
Carmen Pate, Alliance Ministries
Intention: For God’s blessing upon the coming 40 Days for Life campaign.
Scripture: If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land. — 2 Chronicles 7:14
Reflection: Not unlike God’s chosen people of Isra- el, we must humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wick- ed ways, if we expect God to hear from heaven, forgive our sin, and heal our land. The need for repentance has not been greater since the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade in 1973. The number one cause of death in America is the needless sacrifice of our children at the altar of convenience called abortion. Conservative estimates put the number of deaths at nearly 55 million. And lest we think this is an issue out- side the church walls, 43 percent of women obtaining abortions identify themselves as Protestant, and 27 per- cent identify themselves as Catholic. One in four women has at least one abortion by the age of 45 – both non- Christian and Christian alike. Where was the voice of Truth – the church?
Mary Comm of In Our Midst Ministries, Inc. sums up the issue best as she writes, “We (the church) have been an unintentional accomplice to the mil- lions of lives lost and to the multiplied millions of lives devastated by abor- tion. We didn’t want them to abort. We didn’t mean for them to abort. But, be- cause of our lack of knowledge, be- cause of our fear, we have continued to stand by and do nothing. “We, God’s hands and feet in this dark and hurting world, have been uninten- tional, unknowledgeable accomplice, but an accomplice nonetheless.” May today mark the beginning of change within the church, as God’s people, in unity, seek His forgiveness.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we have turned our backs on you and your principles in your Word. We have allowed man to usurp Your role as God over life and the number of our days. But we come to you in brokenness and repentance over our sin. We cry out for Your mercy and ask you to remove the scourge of abortion from our land. Use us as your vessels, Lord, to bring the light of Your Truth to our nation once again. Because of Christ we pray, amen.
40 Days for Life Ping!
Dear -——
Yesterday, I spoke at a 40 Days for Life kickoff event in Lakeland, Florida. Over the weekend, our national director, David Bereit, helped launch the campaign in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Steve Karlen, our North American outreach coordinator, has visited Shreveport/Bossier City, Louisiana; Little Rock, Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee. And Robert Colquhoun, our international outreach coordinator, spoke in Cardiff, Wales.
Those are just a few of the 253 locations that start 40 Days for Life at a time when many Christians are entering the season of Lent ... to prepare their hearts for the Resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday.
London, England
As we get ready to start this journey of prayer, fasting and peaceful vigil, I want to share big news ...
... the first international closure of an abortion location following 40 Days for Life vigils outside its doors!
This unprecedented closure is from the heart of London — at the BPAS abortion business in Bedford Square, where five campaigns have taken place.
You can watch a short video Robert Colquhoun made outside the former abortion facility by clicking the image below:
Or go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=5281
This now makes 45 abortion centers where 40 Days for Life vigils have taken place that are now totally shut down!
Lubbock, Texas
A new article from Baptist Press focuses on these closures. The report highlights the vigils at the Planned Parenthood abortion center in Lubbock, Texas and features an interview with the campaign’s young 40 Days for Life leader, Krysten Haga.
You can find a link to the interview at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=5281
If you’ve not taken part in 40 Days for Life before, I hope these stories show what can happen when you put your trust in God and step forward in faith.
The campaign runs from March 5 through April 13. Find the 40 Days for Life location nearest you by going to:
http://40daysforlife.com/location
Click on the city’s name, and then sign up to get involved however you can.
-——, I’d like to personally invite you to join the journey – as we look forward to seeing what miraculous blessings God has in store!
Amen.
It’s Day 1! And 40 Days for Life is already off to a big start. Your 40-day journey starts today ... no matter where you live!
There are 253 campaign locations — find the closest one ... sign up ... and help end abortion in your community:
http://40daysforlife.com/location
I spoke at the kickoff in Port Charlotte, Florida last night ... while our North American outreach director, Steve Karlen, spoke in north Houston.
Here’s a quick report from Steve regarding the first of many visits he’s planning this campaign.
Little Rock, Arkansas
The Little Rock kickoff was one to remember because it took place in pouring rain and a temperature of 35 degrees. When I learned that this event was moving forward rain or shine, I assumed that I’d be speaking to a group comprising the organizers and not one soul more. It turns out that more than 30 people showed up despite the miserable weather.
This group had a ton of energy and enthusiasm, and it was a very exciting event ... followed by an open house and tours of the pregnancy center across the street.
I learned that these folks are used to getting wet at the vigil site. The abortion facility installed sprinklers — but not for the landscaping. The sprinklers are on top of their privacy fence, where they’re aimed right at the prayer volunteers!
Shreveport / Bossier City, Louisiana
The kickoff for the Shreveport / Bossier City campaign was a very strong event, held at a large Baptist church. The rally featured a real cross section of Christianity, which was pretty cool to see.
The evening included Bishop Michael Duca of the local Catholic diocese, as well as praise and worship music. I also had an opportunity to speak to the volunteers. I was joined by Melody Olson, who shared her story about being a post-abortive mother who learned that she is also an abortion survivor.
The photo below shows me on the left, Melody in the middle, and Shreveport / Bossier City’s local coordinator, Chris Davis, on the right.
Thanks to Steve Karlen for that report!
AWESOME! We are up and running in Ohio. Urging all to come out and pray at the location nearest you.
Devotional for Day 1, March 5, 2014 David Brandao, Communications Director, 40 Days for Life
Intention: That we may use these 40 Days for Life p- on all those involved in the sin of abor- tion.
Scripture: Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly. Gather the peo- ple, notify the congregation. Assemble the elders; gather the children and the the ministers of the Lord, weep and —Joel 2:15-17
Reflection: The toll of abortion cannot be meas- ured. We hear estimates of almost 55 million in one aspect of the harm that has unfold- the mothers and fathers of these mil- lions, as well as the grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins. Unborn lives destroyed. Lives of the living shattered. even in the midst of such unfathomable darkness, the church teaches us to have hope. Yes, it was indeed Calvary that — but without Calvary there would have been no Resurrection His victory over death that opened the gates of heaven to those who believe in and fol- low Him.
The psalmist encourages us to go hum- bly before God as we seek His will: A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within salvation and a willing spirit sustain my mouth shall proclaim your praise (Psalm 51:12-17). or as the Apostle Paul wrote: We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). That is the true message to all we en- counter at the abortion centers and in our communities who have been de- ceived by the Culture of Death. We
Prayer: Lord, we ask for the strength, courage, wisdom, determination and stamina to carry out this mission according to Your will. Guide us, we pray, as we go forth and proclaim Your truth, always doing so with a spirit of love and compassion, as was demonstrated to us through the work of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, amen.
A cold start across much of the United States — weather delays forced me to miss Monday’s kickoff event in Orlando. I finally got to Florida in time for other campaign events. More on that in a bit.
First, I can’t wait to share with you the news of a tremendous setback for Planned Parenthood!
Columbia, Missouri
Kathy had wanted to deliver the huge news at Columbia’s kickoff rally on Sunday. But the ice and snow were just too much, so she had to settle for email.
For volunteers who’ve prayed outside the local abortion center for years, her message was both a big victory and an answered prayer: “Columbia Planned Parenthood cannot do abortions in their facility!”
Kathy had learned that Planned Parenthood no longer had a license for abortions in Columbia and had been removed from the state listing of abortion facilities. Planned Parenthood quietly changed its web site to show that it now offers only abortion referrals.
“The big giant has admitted its downgrade,” Kathy said. “Please join us in thanking God for His mighty blessing, a blessing which came after nine 40 Days for Life prayer vigils. Wow!”
The only licensed abortion center in all of Missouri now is Planned Parenthood in St. Louis — where, of course, there’s a 40 Days for Life vigil now under way.
The vigil will continue in Columbia as well. Babies are still being saved there, thanks to God’s mercy ... and the prayers of the volunteers on the sidewalk.
Lakeland, Florida
After my flight was delayed and then re-routed to Tampa, I jumped in a rental car to try to catch the last half of the kickoff event in Lakeland. As I got there late, I was so excited to still see 80 volunteers at 8:30 pm, holding candles and keeping vigil on the dark sidewalk in front of the abortion facility.
The community has really come together with the leadership of Maryanne and her husband, Rick. Leaders of other ministries … including the Diocese of Orlando, Couples for Christ, and the local pregnancy center that’s not far from the abortion facility … were all there to kick off the campaign.
Devotional for Day 2, March 6, 2014
Kevin Burke, Executive Director, Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries
Intention: May the King of the Universe, who en- tered this world as a helpless infant, give us the humility to be healed.
Scripture: My power is made perfect in weakness. —2 Corinthians 12:9
Reflection: The great mystery of the Humility of God is very near and dear to the mission of those serving in pro life and in a special way, post abortion ministries across this nation. For those wounded by their participation in abortion, the door to healing of- ten feels like crossing an abyss of great fear: fear of judgment, fear of being torn apart by the pain, by self hatred and rage at those who hurt and abandoned you, and manipulated you in your time of temptation. For men in particular, entering the un- known waters of emotional vulnerability, so necessary to healing calls for a different kind of courage that feels deceptively like weakness. The door to healing is humility. It is born in the inability to no longer control the pain, to live with the consequences of that tragic decision to reject life. The hearts cries out, “I have com- mitted a grave offense against my Creator and I am consumed by regret, grief and sorrow!”
During these forty days let us pray for all who have participated in abortion and with love call them to healing and reconciliation. With healing these women and men can become as John Paul II proclaimed in the Gospel of Life, “the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life.” Jesus proclaimed, “I am the Vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). To bear the greatest fruit, the branches must be pruned. Each level of pruning of the vine requires a deeper level of humility so that we can abandon ourselves to His will. This is not a lofty theological concept as much as it is an earthy experience of pulling weeds, tilling rocky soil, pruning and healing the vines. “If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps” (Matthew 16:24).
Prayer: Lord, during these forty days, we ask that with each day of this sacred vigil, everything in us that separates us from your perfect will would be pruned from our hearts and souls. In this blessed freedom may we experience a powerful anointing of your Holy Spirit. Filled with confidence and trust may we proclaim with the mother of Jesus, “Let it be done to me, according to your Word.”
We put flyers re: 40 Days for Life in our Church, as well as announcing the nearest city having the 40 days, in the church bulletin.
Now isn’t that some great news to wake up to?
Reports have been rolling in from Texas — the state where 40 Days for Life began — that abortion facilities are shutting down left and right.
The latest closures include three businesses where faithful 40 Days for Life volunteers have prayed on the sidewalks outside for years.
Plus — there’s another abortion center where volunteers are very hopeful that the business they’re praying in front of will soon join the list.
Here are the details.
Beaumont, McAllen and Harlingen, Texas
The three businesses closing are Whole Woman’s Health in Beaumont and McAllen, along with Reproductive Services in Harlingen.
The team in Beaumont had just started their ninth 40 Days for Life vigil. “God is so good,” said Eileen in Beaumont, who thanked many volunteers for their hard work and leadership. “Should we have a party now?”
Yes! A celebration of the Lord's victory would definitely be in order.
McAllen’s team was just beginning their eighth campaign. And five 40 Days for Life vigils have been held at the abortion facility in Harlingen.
Danny Anderson of Pregnancy Testing Centers of the Valley sent me this picture from Harlingen — that's him standing next to the real estate sign outside the closed abortion center. His reaction to the news? “Praise God!”
The public awareness and prayers have hurt the abortion business ... along with the tireless work of many pro-lifers working on legislation. A new Texas law requires abortionists to have admitting privileges at a local hospital in order to offer abortions. And it seems many of the hospitals just aren’t interested in granting those privileges!
Praise God indeed!
Birmingham, Alabama
40 Days for Life campaign number 12 got under way with a candlelight kickoff in Birmingham ... and one big difference from their earlier vigils.
“This Planned Parenthood has not had its front door unlocked for customers for over two months,” said Ed in Birmingham. There is an occasional lone employee, but never any clients. The last abortion performed there was in late December.
“Since their web site says that their services have ‘slowed’ and lists only a contact number with no hours of operation,” Ed said, “we continue our 40 Days for Life vigil in thanksgiving for each day they remain closed — and in prayerful petition for a permanent closure announcement.”
I pray that more death chambers will shut down in Ohio!!!!!
“Reports have been rolling in from Texas — the state where 40 Days for Life began — that abortion facilities are shutting down left and right. ..”
Thank you dear God!
Someone told me that a Planned Parenthood that I pray, and give public witness to, is having financial difficulty, and pro-lifers have been praying there for years. I hope it shuts down as well.
God is pro-life and he seems to be answering in his time.
As we head into the first weekend of 40 Days for Life, let’s recall that Saturday is often the busiest day of the week at abortion businesses.
You need to be there … because you’re the last sign of Christ’s hope for the women entering those buildings … and the first sign of His mercy when they’re on their way out after an abortion. Your prayers are so important!
Here’s the list of locations. Please find the one nearest you!
http://40daysforlife.com/location
As you know, the 40 Days for Life national team has been on the road this week – and that includes our national director, David Bereit. Here’s David’s report from some of the places he’s visited.
Boise and Meridian, Idaho
The 40 Days for Life kickoff rally in Boise was held at Bishop Kelly High School, and was attended by more than 100 local volunteers. In addition to hearing from me, the program included energetic high school and college students who encouraged the attendees to get even more active in pro-life activities.
The following morning, our local leader, Nancy, and her husband, Clint, took me out to pray at both area vigils — one in Boise ...
... and the other in nearby Meridian.
We then visited three local pregnancy centers to thank them for their vital work, and to continue building a strong partnership between them and 40 Days for Life.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Next it was a quick flight to Salt Lake City. While our local leader, James, and I were heading to the vigil site, we met a lady who asked us what we were doing … before she broke down in tears and shared her story of being coerced into an abortion seven years ago.
Though we encouraged her to seek healing, and pointed her toward resources that could help, her raw pain underscored the critical importance of our prayers and work.
The candlelight kickoff rally outside the Salt Lake City Planned Parenthood abortion center drew nearly 100 people.
It was a great blessing to meet so many dedicated people across Idaho and Utah — from a wide variety of faith backgrounds — united in their commitment to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves!
Thanks again to David Bereit for today's report!
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