By Daniel Burnett
And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. 2 Chronicles 20:15-16
This Sunday our Church and many in our nation will take notice of the Sanctity of Life – including the life of unborn persons. As citizens of the Kingdom of God and of this country, where are we in the battle against abortion? Abortion numbers seem lower than a decade ago – praise God! Today, two big fronts are policy advocacy and pregnancy centers. Both have found creative ways to oppose the blight of abortion. And we would do well to continue to support these folks. But I think the Church may do better by praying first.
The Bible tells so many stories with prayer before action. Think of Moses at the Red Sea. Think of David at Ziklag. And Esther before Ahasuerus. Even Jesus in Gethsemane. Others? When a great loss of life is at stake, God moves his people to pray before taking action. We are that people. He is moving me to prayer. God may lead us into many different actions, but let us begin at the same place – humbled before Him!
Father listen to our plea for mercy.
We ask that your glory would not be stifled or cut short.
We ask that your earth would thrive with new life.
We appeal to you as the Creator. Let abortion be rare among us.
Bring joy instead of despair to those who have conceived.
Give hope to the weakest.
May life be sanctified here.
Because of your glory! And because you live in us: we ask.
Thank you for the great hope of life anew.
Thank you Son of Glory given for us.
Use us. Make our feet swift to help.
What should we do, Father?
Holy Spirit, please use us.