Editor's note: We don't usually have anonymous posts, but given the delicate nature of the issue and the quality of this post, we've made an exception. We hope you find this meaningful as you reflect on the sanctity of life.
God of Heaven and Earth,
You create every human life in your image. You knit us with care and sustain us each day. You shower us with gifts and look on us with pride. You alone are the source of every good thing. You are our strength, our courage, and our hope.
Lord, we lament for a world that does not recognize the value of every life, whether born or preborn. We cry out to you on behalf of the lives lost each day through abortion. We grieve with those who grieve the loss of children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Lord, we lift up in prayer to you those who need you most:
For those, even Christians, who believe the lie of culture that life is only as valuable as its capabilities or resources, we ask for you to soften hearts and reveal your truth.
For the many, many women who want to keep their unborn children, but cannot see any possible options for doing so, we pray for support, encouragement, and for Sisters and Brothers in Christ to rise up and meet their needs.
For women told lies about the impact that choosing abortion will have, and for women who are told they have no choice, Lord, we ask for clarity and courage.
For men who will never know or hold their child, and are left to wonder “what if”, we pray for comfort and strength.
For women whose bodies have been damaged, some even to the point of death, by an abortion, Lord, we pray for healing.
For countries where policies restrict the number of children that can be born or devalue the lives of women to the point that abortion is forced upon them, particularly when they are carrying a daughter, we pray for your hand to move to change unjust laws, to protect women at risk, and to raise up a generation that will call on your name. Surely, your arm is not too short to save!
Lord, forgive us for being parts of nations whose policies promote access to abortion more readily than access to food for children living in poverty. Open our eyes to recognize your face in the most vulnerable, and to offer the gifts you have freely given us to them with ready and generous hearts.
Mighty God, we cling to your promises—for justice to be fulfilled, for your grace to be made known, and for your peace to rule in hearts and minds and lives. Help us to live out the vision you have given us for life in this world. Give us the will and the courage to put the lives of others before our own and to advocate on their behalf, to sacrifice where necessary and to serve where needed.
Lord, you are ever-faithful. Make us faithful in our service to you. Amen.
Image from Flickr user mrhayata
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