In the words of Bishop Barron, Lent is the season in which we “apprentice to Jesus in his forty-day sojourn in the desert. We stubbornly stay with him, doing what he did there, facing what he faced there.” We strip ourselves of the distractions of daily life and ask God what we can do to conform ourselves to His will. One thing the Lord has called us all to do is to defend the helpless. Abortion is one of the greatest tragedies of our generation; it is an attack on the sanctity of human life, on our youngest and most vulnerable members. If you feel moved by the Spirit to respond to the Lord’s call to protect the unborn, here are some pro-life prayers and activities to enrich your Lenten season.
Jesus tells us that three areas indispensable to the Christian life are: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These three extraordinary ways lead us to a deeper conversion of heart. Let’s look into each of these areas.
Prayer
Prayer is the basis for building a culture of life; we remember that nothing can be accomplished without God’s grace. U.S. Catholic Bishops teach us, “Only with prayer–prayer that storms the heavens for justice and mercy, prayer that cleanses our hearts and souls–will the culture of death that surrounds us today be replaced with a culture of life.”
Pray for Preborn Children and Their Mothers
This Lent, you can pray especially for mothers in crisis situations who are facing unexpected pregnancies, and the children in their wombs. Pray that these women recognize their roles as mothers to new and unique human lives, and that they will cooperate with God who brings all life into the world:
Heavenly Father, in Your love for us, protect against the wickedness of the devil, those helpless little ones to whom You have given the gift of life.
Touch with pity the hearts of those women pregnant in our world today who are not thinking of motherhood. Help them to see that the child they carry is made in Your image – as well as theirs – made for eternal life.
Dispel their fear and selfishness and give them true womanly hearts to love their babies and give them birth and all the needed care that a mother can give.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.
Join the 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil
Pair prayer with action by joining a peaceful prayer vigil outside a Planned Parenthood or other abortion facility. These vigils bear witness to the sancity of human life, and give you the opportunity to encourage abortion-bound mothers to choose life. 40 Days for Life Lawndale has organized a Spring Vigil from March 2nd to April 10th this year. Sign up today.
Pray the 40 Day Devotional
40 Days for Life also has a 40 day devotional that focuses on a specific pro-life request each day, uniting the Body of Christ around a common focus. You don’t need to be at the prayer vigil to pray the devotional, you could pray it with your family at home.
Fasting
Fasting draws us closer to God; when we fast, we unite our sufferings with the sufferings of Christ during His Passion. In denying ourselves, we are reminded of our hunger and need for God. When God’s people fast with a repentant and contrite spirit, our heavenly Father hears us and heals us. St Augustine tells us, “Do you wish your prayer to fly toward God? Make for it two wings: fasting and almsgiving.”
Almsgiving
Almsgiving, or charity, is a way to live out our gratitude for all the blessings God has bestowed. We reflect on our membership in the Body of Christ, and our responsibility for each other. Almsgiving is directed toward the good of others; every human person is a precious gift, deserving of dignity, and we are called to respond to the basic needs of humanity in this life.
Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus
Focus on following the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 25: 34-40 where He shows us how we should be treating others. Being pro-life involves respecting the dignity of life from womb to tomb. Show care for human life through the acts of service Jesus outlined:
- Feed the hungry
- Give drink to the thirsty
- Shelter the homeless
- Visit the sick
- Visit the prisoners
- Bury the dead
- Give alms to the poor
Donate to PHC
Consider supporting PHC in providing life-affirming services to women facing crisis pregnancies. There are so many ways to support the Center including volunteering, contributing your expertise, and/or financial gifts. The support we receive enables us to expand our services and help more abortion-vulnerable women.
This Lent, let’s follow in the footsteps of Jesus, to have a little less, and pray a little more. We at PHC hope you have a meaningful Lenten season that draws you closer to our Lord.