5 Prayers for Those in the Midst of the Abortion Debate
Sanctity of Life
By Emma Danzey, Crosswalk.com
After last week’s supreme court decision regarding voting on abortion laws in the states, we are now in a place where changes can be happening. One of the most vital things that we can do as people of God is to pray. Prayer and interceding on behalf of others is a beautiful privilege that the body of Christ often neglects. Let’s take some time to pray around this topic and seek the Lord at His Word today.
A Prayer for Those Who Have Had Abortions
Research says, “1 in 4 women will have an abortion before the age of 45.” This means that many women have gone through with this and live with this decision every day. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross covered all sins of those who believe in Him. There is great forgiveness found in Him.
Lord Jesus, we pray over the many women who have undergone abortions. We pray for their healing. We ask that you would reveal Your great forgiveness through the cross to them. We ask that you would show Your mercy to them and enable them to move forward and surrender to be used by You for Your glory. We pray for the church to not condemn these women, but to welcome them to share in their grief and pain. We pray that the body of believers will provide a safe space for these women to share authentically. We ask that Your Holy Spirit would do a work in their hearts. We ask that they would have no shame but be set free in You and that You would use this circumstance to propel them into a platform for others. Amen.
A Prayer for Those Who Are in the Womb
Psalm 139:13-16 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Dear Lord, our Creator, You see the unformed substance and You know all the days of our lives. Thank You for creating life and knitting new people together in their mothers’ wombs. We pray over all the babies being formed right now. We ask that you would help them to grow properly and develop in strength. We pray for a sense of peace and safety in the womb regardless of what is happening in the world around them. You say that life begins at conception. Thank You for having plans for these lives before conception. Before You made them, You knew them. We praise You for your continued creativity and outpouring of love to the next generation. We ask that they would be a generation that is raised up hearing the gospel of Jesus and discovering the hope of eternal salvation in You. Amen.
A Prayer for Those Who Are Lawmakers
In the case of Dobbs v. Jackson, the Supreme Court had to make a decision on if Roe v. Wade was constitutional. They had to decide: “Does the constitution explicitly state a right to abortion?” and “Is it implicit and rooted in American history?” Their main role is upholding the law and the constitution of America. They are asked to observe the facts and make their best decision based on evidence and how something lines up with our founding documents. These men and women need great wisdom and discernment just like the judges of old. They need our prayers.
Lord God, we thank You that You are the ultimate Judge. We know that You are perfect in truth. We pray over our Supreme Court Justices and lawmakers in the midst of making life-changing decisions. Please guide them with Your leadership. We ask that those who know You would be led by Your Spirit and those who do not know you to see Your great love and sacrifice for them and receive Your gift of salvation. We ask that lawmakers would be honest, courageous, loving, kind, and true. Help them to have noble character and be dependable.
A Prayer for Those Who Are Medical Professionals
Father, we pray over those in the medical field who come into contact with women seeking abortions. We pray for compassion and kindness, but that they would value life at all ages. Would you please give them the words to bless those in hard times? Would you help them to make decisions in their practices to honor You and bless others? Guide them to make choices legally that honor Your name first. Amen.
A Prayer for Those Who Are Pastors and Counselors
Lifeway Research shares that in 2015, “7 in 10 women who have had abortions identify as Christians.” They also say, “2 in 3 women who've had an abortion say church members judge single women who are pregnant (65%) and are more likely to gossip about a woman considering abortion than help her understand her options (64%).” This later reveals that 1 in 4 abortions said that the local church played a role in their decision.
Lord, please lead the church. Help pastors and counselors share truth in love. Help them to create a safe environment. Enable them to see the damage that has been done, repent, and find ways to love more like You. Give the body of Christ a tone of forgiveness, grace, and compassion. Help pastors teach Your Word with humility and gentleness. Give counselors the ears to hear, advice to share, and words to respond to those going through questions about future abortions or regret from past ones. We praise You for the kindness found in healthy local churches and centers. Protect these services and groups from harm’s way. Do not allow the enemy to have an influence there. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/petrunjela
Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, inspiring young women to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew for over two years and mom to baby Graham. Drew and Emma serve with Upstate CRU college ministry in South Carolina. Emma is an avid writer for Salem Web Network and provides articles on the Bible, life questions, and on the Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 viewed article on Crosswalk for the year 2021. All the glory to the Lord! She had the joy of hosting Her Many Hats podcast where she explored the many roles that women play while serving One God. Most recently, Emma has released her first Bible Study Book, Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness.
Emma enjoys singing/songwriting, fitness classes, trying new recipes, home makeover shows, and drinking tea! During her ministry career, Emma recorded two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, ran the Refined Magazine, and served in music education for early childhood. Emma also had the privilege of having been a national spokesperson for Mukti Mission based out of India. Mukti has been working to restore shattered lives in India for over 120 years. You can view her articles through her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com
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Read the full devotional here: A Prayer for Pregnant Mothers
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