DAY 21: Let the children come to Me
One of the most joyful things about a 40 Days for Life
prayer vigil is the sight of a family praying together.
We see it all the time. And because Jesus asked the
disciples to let the little children come to Him, we
are sure that He is most attentive to their prayers.
One family prayed at a 40 Days for Life vigil recently
... and then wrote about it on our blog!
"During 40 Days for Life, I went to a prayer tent,"
said 6-year-old Glory. "We prayed out loud from 9:00 to
10:00 so abortion will stop. We had to wake up at 7:00
in the morning. I was so sleepy, but I had to eat. Then
I brushed my teeth and changed my clothes. I am fasting
from rice milk so babies won't die."
"40 Days for Life is praying and fasting to end
abortion," said Mary Jane, who is 8. "I am fasting from
bagels because I eat them a lot. So I am fasting from
them. I think God will help us, and abortion will stop."
"For 40 Days for Life, Im fasting from bananas because
I really like them, and we eat them a lot," wrote
10-year-old Parker. "When I want to eat them, I pray
for mothers that are pregnant so that they dont have
an abortion and for all the people that had an abortion
so that they dont have another one."
Thanks to Glory, Mary Jane and Parker for their
sacrifices -- and for the parents who are raising
children with a love for God and the babies (and,
obviously, for helping them post these words of young
wisdom on the web site!).
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
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The Indianapolis 40 Days for Life team posted a photo
of a family praying outside the Planned Parenthood
abortion center where their vigil is taking place.
To see the photo, please go to:
DAY 21: Let the children come to Me | 40 Days for Life
Eileen in Indianapolis calls 40 Days for Life "a
peaceful, prayerful, family-friendly pro-life activity.
What better way to teach your children respect for life
... not only with your words, but through your actions."
Imagine the impact on women going into Planned
Parenthood who are confused!
"We know they feel pressured and believe that they
have no other choice," she said. "We pray that seeing
families might inspire them."
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA
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40 Days for Life participants in Pensacola held a
prayer procession -- led by children -- at one of the
two abortion centers where volunteers are praying
during this campaign.
To see a picture, please go to:
DAY 21: Let the children come to Me | 40 Days for Life
The Pensacola team also heard from a Presbyterian pastor
who signed up to pray with 40 Days for Life for the first
time -- and stayed at the vigil for nine straight hours!
"Not only are we covering the facilities with prayer,
but it is a positive witness to the community," he said.
"Got several honks from supporters and some angry honks
as well as a few unpleasant hand-signals from those who
relish what they see as a right to take a human life."
All in all, he said, it was a good learning experience.
"Between the fasting and the general fatigue that comes
with nine hours of prayer, I was spent," said the pastor.
"Spiritual warfare like this is not for wimps!"
Here's today's devotional from Carmen Pate, a member
of the 40 Days for Life board of directors.
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DAY 21 INTENTION
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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.
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SCRIPTURE
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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
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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, 40 Days for Life
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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:
Gird your waist with Truth (vs. 14) -- Commit your
emotions to believe truth and to speak truth,
regardless of the repercussions.
Put on the breastplate of Righteousness (vs. 14) -It
will protect our hearts -- the innermost springs of
our beings -- from all unrighteousness so evident in
this fallen world.
Shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of
Peace. (vs. 15) -- Preparation is vital if we are to
be effective in God's work.
Taking the shield of faith (vs.16) -- The Accuser
will instill doubt, fear, and guilt. Faith acts as
an invisible shield that deflects such false
accusations.
Taking the Helmet of salvation (vs.17) -- A helmet
protects the head, the brain and in turn our mind and
thoughts. Satan hopes we will set aside divine
revelation for human reasoning.
Taking the sword of the Spirit (vs.17) -- The Word of
God, the only offensive weapon in this armor, was
used by the Lord Jesus against Satan. The living Word
is powerful and effective.
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)
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PRAYER
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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.
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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
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To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day21print.pdf
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For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
PS: Please keep the stories coming! If something
great is happening with your 40 Days for Life
campaign, please leave a comment on today's
blog posting at:
DAY 21: Let the children come to Me | 40 Days for Life
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