When our nation is torn with political issues that leave countless people in need, no matter our political or financial status, we can always empower one another through pro-life prayer.
Foundation For Prayer
My favorite description of prayer was written by Tim Keller, where he wrote, “In prayer we continue a conversation that God has started through his Word.” This idea set off fireworks in my soul. Why? Because it presents prayer not as a sporadic hello or an intermittent check-in, but as an endless, vibrant conversation that God Himself initiated.
Our dialogue with God isn’t like hanging up a phone call with the intention of dialing back when the next need arises. Instead, it’s like walking through the park with your friend. You may not always be talking, but while you are walking, you know you are together. Each person is ready to listen when the other speaks.
Even when I falter or fall short, God remains steadfastly by my side. He never hangs up and never walks away. The Holy Spirit isn’t just near; He’s here—constantly in communion with me. And this ongoing conversation is built on the foundation of His Word. He first speaks, invites, and lovingly draws us into this endless exchange.
Every verse and story is an invitation to respond, engage, and converse. And as we do, we find that prayer becomes more than just words we speak. It transforms into the way we live—constantly connected, deeply rooted in His continual presence.
Godly Prayer
As we deepen our relationship with Jesus, the nature of our prayers transforms. Initially focused on our personal desires, our prayers gradually align with God’s broader, heavenly vision. This realignment allows us to see through His eyes—understanding His heart with greater clarity and desiring what He desires. We find ourselves interceding more for others and viewing the world from the perspective of the Kingdom.
Praying in this way transcends mere expression of faith; it becomes an act of worship. Each prayer reflects our profound need for Him. As God aligns our prayers to His intentions, our hearts undergo a transformation, marked by humility and surrender, molding us increasingly into His likeness.
This great need for fervent prayer in the church today brings us to a critical and urgent concern. The protection of unborn lives. Unborn lives which are endangered by the threat of abortion. This article is a heartfelt call for an increase in prayer activity for women considering abortion. Additionally, for their partners, and for their children at risk.
May our unending conversations with God more often turn to asking Him to do justice on earth.
God cares about the protection of children more than any human ever could. He wants to use us as His hands and feet to bring hope, light, and life to abortion-minded women. As we engage in prayer for the sanctity of human life, we need to be ready to be called into battle!
When Sorrow Leads to Prayer
I have a strong suspicion that I reflect on my childhood more than the average person. I’m unsure why I have made my memories of my distant past such a valuable priority in my life. The sweet memories of my earlier days have always brought so much joy to the present moment. Of course, there are memories that bring the opposite of joy. Some memories strike shame and sorrow.
For me, certain “surprises” throughout my past have immortalized particular memories. To name a few, first I distinctly recall the surprise of having grandparents spontaneously show up at sports games. Secondly, I remember performing abnormally well in my 4th-grade spelling bee. Finally, my parents sitting me down with excitement to tell me I would be a big brother.
For whatever reason, the concept of a “surprise” usually indicates a joyful memory. However, as we have all experienced in this broken world, there are negative surprises that startle us in our routine. When I was in elementary school, I remember attending a civil rights museum in Dallas, Texas. As I walked through the museum next to my best friend, who was African American, my eyes opened to the horrors of our long, violent history.
I was surprised.
As a young, pro-life advocate who believed in the power of prayer, I began to pray over our nation. I remember feeling the world’s weight on my shoulders and a distinct illness crash over me as I contemplated evil. My prayers were for that of our nation and that all people in it would be treated with kindness. The eye-opening surprise of evil drove me to sorrow and intercession.
Abortion and Pro-Life Prayer
Today, as a 25-year-old man, I reflect on our world filled with great fear and anguish. And I can genuinely say, when I see and hear the celebration of abortion in our land, I am surprised. Consequently, I feel the same feeling I did as I walked through the civil rights museum as a young child. Heavy, burdened, and angry. Most of all, when I reflect on the injustice of abortion, I am drawn to pro-life prayer. I feel I must commune with Jesus and plead that He brings healing to fearful women and vulnerable children.
So, I pray. I pray with others who are passionate about seeing Jesus bring healing to our fallen world. When praying, I join with my church, my coworkers, my family and my friends.
MLK's Prayer
Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, left a legacy of profound prayers that continue to inspire the fight for justice and equality. In a particularly heartfelt prayer, Dr. King articulated his vision for a united humanity under God:
“O God, we thank Thee for Thy Church, founded upon Thy Word, that challenges us to do more than sing and pray, but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon Thee… Help us to realize that man was created to shine like the stars and live on through all eternity. Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace, help us to walk together, pray together, sing together, and live together until that day when all God’s children, Black, White, Red, and Yellow, will rejoice in one common band of humanity in the kingdom of our Lord and of our God, we pray. Amen.”
Dr. Martin Luther King’s prayer was that the world would wake up. Wake up and see that we are all God’s children no matter our race, age or gender. We should pray the same prayer today. Pray over the injustice toward the unborn in our hour.
Furthermore, his prayer reflects his deep-seated belief that active, faith-driven work is crucial in bringing about social change. He prayed not only for an end to racial discrimination but also for a broader recognition that all humans are part of God’s creation, deserving of dignity and peace.
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King David's Prayer
Similarly, was King David of Israel. He had a tumultuous reign amid Saul’s oppressive leadership. However, he turned to prayer to navigate and protest against the corruption and injustice he witnessed. His prayers, recorded in the Psalms, reveal a raw and sincere dialogue with God, particularly evident in Psalm 12:
“Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts… ‘Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,’ says the Lord. ‘I will protect them from those who malign them.’”
David’s appeal to God reflects his reliance on divine intervention amidst the moral decay of his society. He highlights God’s promise to protect the oppressed, demonstrating his belief in God’s justice and faithfulness.
Praying For Justice
Today, we find ourselves facing modern injustices that require commitment to prayer and action. The same commitment exemplified by Dr. King and King David. Among these is the issue of abortion—a profound injustice against the unborn.
These historical figures provide inspiration for us. Indeed, with this inspiration we are called to intercede for those who cannot speak for themselves. We must work toward a society where the sanctity of life is upheld from conception.
As we reflect on the powerful prayers of these leaders, let us also commit to prayerful advocacy in our time. Let us pray for the strength to confront evil with love. Strength to speak out against injustice. Strength to support women in difficult situations with compassion and practical aid. Dr. King prayed for unity and justice among all races. King David sought protection for the needy. We too should pray for a world where every life, born and unborn, is valued and cherished.
Many Christians express intense emotions of sadness, anger, and confusion when thinking about the sanctity of human life. These emotions should always be triggers for us to pray.
My favorite way to pray, particularly for issues related to justice, is through Lectio Divina. When I read scripture and I witness God’s power and His heart in the text, my faith is stirred, and my prayers are more aligned with His heart.
Lectio Divina & The Sanctity of Human Life
Lectio Divina, or “divine reading,” throws a wrench into our modern, high-speed information consumption habits. This ancient practice of engaging with Scripture isn’t about fast-tracking knowledge or skimming for quick insights. It’s about a deep, soul-stirring transformation that occurs when we truly slow down and immerse ourselves in the Word of God. It challenges us to pause and dive deep, allowing Scripture to seep into the very marrow of our bones—a radical shift from how we typically engage with text today.
Our everyday routine is a hustle where every tick of the clock counts. However, Lectio Divina offers a sacred pause where we can enter a sanctuary to connect with our father. This practice isn’t just about reading words on a page. It’s about letting those words read us and change us. It encourages us to listen with more than our ears. Instead, to listen with our whole being. Let our deepest values and motivations be reshaped by the truths we encounter in Scripture.
By regularly meditating on life-affirming Scriptures, you allow these truths to shape how you view the world and how you respond to life issues. This practice allows you to converse with God when being rooted in scripture. This stirs faith within us! As we read about God’s heart for the unborn in scripture, we can then turn and pray to God, asking Him to protect the unborn and empower women facing unexpected pregnancies.
Step 1: Reading (Lectio)
Begin with the selected passage. For example, Luke 1:41-44. Read these verses slowly. Deliberately allow each word to sink in. As you read, notice any particular word or phrase that seems to jump off the page. This is not just about intellectual understanding but about spiritual receptivity. Open yourself to what the Holy Spirit wants to highlight in your heart today.
Step 2: Meditation (Meditatio)
As you meditate on scripture, dwell on the elements of the text that caught your attention. Focus especially on the moment when Elizabeth feels John leap within her womb as Mary, carrying the unborn Jesus, enters her home. Consider the depth of this interaction—two unborn children, yet fully participants in God’s story. Both fully alive and responding to each other’s presence.
Reflect deeply on what it means that John, not yet born, was filled with the Holy Spirit and reacted with such passion when brought near to Christ. What does this tell us about the humanity of John and Jesus in the womb? Meditate on the reality that life in the womb is known and cherished by God. It is capable of spiritual response and worthy of protection and love.
Step 3: Prayer (Oratio)
Transition your meditation into a time of prayer. This is where your reflections start to shape how you converse with God about what you’ve read. Pray earnestly for the protection of life, guided by the Scripture narrative:
“Father, just as John leapt in the womb at the presence of your Son, so too may our hearts leap at every new human life you create. Help us to see the unborn with the same recognition and joy that Elizabeth and Mary shared. Empower us to defend, cherish, and honor life at all its stages, advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
Extend your prayer to include a petition for society at large. Pray that hearts and laws would be changed to protect and nurture life from conception forward. Ask God to use His church to lead this movement. And to be a beacon of life’s value in a world that often devalues the most vulnerable.
Step 4: Contemplation (Contemplatio)
After pouring out your heart in prayer, move into a period of contemplation. This isn’t about active reflection or seeking answers but about being present with God. Allow yourself to rest in His love and truth, absorbing the deep spiritual realities you’ve engaged with. In this silence, you might find God imprinting His heart for life more firmly on your own. Or, perhaps he is calling you into deeper acts of service or advocacy.
Contemplation might naturally lead to a renewed commitment to act on behalf of the unborn. This inspiration is not out of obligation but out of a deep spiritual conviction and love that flows from God’s own heart.
Other Passages to Practice Lectio-Divina Concerning the Sanctity of Human Life:
Incorporating Pro-Life Prayer Into Your Daily Life
Consider how to incorporate the sanctity of human life in your conversations with God. In doing this, may we always remember one thing: our God desires obedience over sacrifice (1 Sam 15:22).
You may be a busy mom with a passionate desire to see abortion unnecessary and unthinkable in our world. But you feel a daily commitment to intense prayer in this arena isn’t realistic for your schedule. God sees and He knows. He simply desires obedience.
Even in the midst of a bountiful activity, God is always ready to continue His conversations with us. May the Holy Spirit exemplify how much He cares about the sanctity of human life. And with this in mind, pray to God for the ending of abortion in our land.
A simple, 15 second prayer brings Him joy. He desires communion and nearness with us. A strong relationship and faith the size of a mustard seed. Our prayers must be frequent and bold. May we pray for the unborn, their fathers, and for their incredible mothers to have the boldness to choose life.
When we are surprised by evil, we must pray fervently like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and King David of Israel. Abortion is a horrific injustice, a wound on our nation that we can heal only with love and pro-life prayer.
A Closing Pro-Life Prayer
Father,
We can only imagine how your heart breaks when you see your masterpiece destroyed at the hands of your masterpiece. You are the God who weeps with us. We thank you for your nearness as we grieve the innumerable lives lost.
As we grieve, may we remember to not make enemies of people. Because people are never our enemies. Rather, we are engaging in battle with spiritual darkness.
We pray for those who advocate and celebrate abortion. Soften their hearts to see the beauty and value of life. Help them understand the medical reality of life in the womb.
We pray for children in the womb who’s lives are at risk. Father, please be near to them and protect them. Shelter them with your wings.
Embolden each woman facing an unexpected or unwanted pregnancy. Draw her near to your heart. Show her your unending love and mercy. Inspire her to choose life.
Lord, give us eyes to see a greater future. Give us vision. Let us see what a world that values life from conception until natural death, looks like.
Give us wisdom to work toward the vision you give us. When we go our own way, we stumble and fall. We need your Holy Spirit to guide us. Be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Father, we are done with passivity. We no longer want to wait on the sidelines. Use us to save lives in our cities, and may you use our gifts empower women to choose life.
Although we grieve as we watch the number of abortions rise, we are not left hopeless. You are with us. Therefore, we have hope. Our trust is in you Lord. May you bring peace and life to our land.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
