I want to thank each of you for going out to pray during the hour you have committed. Like Paul wrote to the church of the Thessalonians, “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of God because of you?…May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.” (1 Thessalonians 3:9,12) We are so thankful for you.
Paul’s words are exactly how the Southwest Coalition for Life team feels about you.
You have shown such dedication. You show up out there when it is extremely hot and when it’s frigidly cold, and even days when it is raining or blustering with wind. You have given us so much joy and hope as we continue to do all that we need to do. The Coalition team looks up to you. We are always amazed by your commitment to pray. Our hearts are so deeply moved when we see pictures of you standing outside when no one else would.
May the Lord Bless You!
I hope today you are reminded how important and needed you are. Never diminish the work you do as invaluable or insignificant. We can not emphasize enough just how crucial it is to have you be a part of 40 Days for Life. The whole team at the Coalition is thankful for you and your steadfastness. As chaotic as 40 Days for Life may be, we could never imagine not having you and being where we are if it was not for your willingness to come out and pray. I pray the Lord would bless you as He promises in Deuteronomy because of your obedience and faithfulness to our Lord Jesus Christ. May He bless you when you come in and when you go out. May He bless you in everything you put your hand to.
Devotional for Day 16 Scripture:
“There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who at the same time can speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” ~Mark 9:39-42
Reflection: Jesus is the path, and a path is for walking and following…. We cannot follow Jesus on the path of love unless we first love others, unless we force ourselves to work together, to understand each other and forgive each other, recognizing our own limits and mistakes. We must do works of mercy and with mercy! Putting our heart out in them. Works of charity with love, with tenderness, and always with humility! – Pope Francis
Prayer: Lord God, you are Love itself. You sent your Son Jesus to become Love Incarnate. Help us to remove from our minds and hearts anything that is not of You. Fill us with your love, that each of the 40 Days for Life Vigil participants can be Love; toward the “Women’s Reproductive Clinic” workers, toward the women coming to the clinic contemplating abortion, and even toward those driving by. Lord without you we can do nothing. Fill us with your love so that we can spread it to all we come into contact with. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
