Our feelings about abortion come to a crescendo when we read stories about women who fight so vigilantly not only to keep it legal but also insist that it is beneficial for women. These extremists march on Washington with picket signs. They wear pro-abortion t-shirts. They even enlist their daughters to join the festivities as they prepare another generation to fall prey to this devastating practice.
It would be easy to rail against them, to tear down their defenses, to argue their positions. But none of that will change their hearts, and until hearts are changed abortion will continue to destroy the lives of hapless mothers and fathers and their babies. Still we must do something. We have determined that protesting is counter-productive at best and destructive at worst, so what can we do?
The answer is simple, though it may not be easy at first. Because God is the only one who is able to change hearts, it is our responsibility to pray for these women and the men who have also believed the rhetoric. Mel Gibson was once a Hollywood insider and well on the path to destruction - until God got hold of his heart. Therein is the hope we must hold onto! Through our perseverance to pray for those who are proudly pro-abortion, I believe God will begin to move in a mighty way in their lives and in our country. Who knows what great things He will accomplish as a result!
Below are some guidelines to help you get started:
Remember that our only true enemy is Satan and his angels. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12:
"...our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Keep that in mind as the battle rages on. Pray against Satan and his forces and for those he has deceived.
Though we may perceive the people who support and promote abortion as enemies, keep in mind that Jesus also said, "...love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men." [Luke 6:35] When they throw insults toward us, when they propagate deceptions about the benefits of abortion, the best thing we can do is to love them. Nothing disarms an enemy like love.
Finally, pray for those who value every life, that we will not become discouraged; that we will be as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves. Pray that we will persevere.
Below is a proactive prayer list to begin praying over. As we join our hearts together in petition for these people, may God in His mercy hear from heaven and heal our land...
"...and (if) My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
*Names of celebrities copied from NOW's All-Star Celebrity Coalition list: