Table of Contents
9 Days for Life
Today’s Intention: May the tragic practice of abortion end.
Intention
May the tragic practice of abortion end.
Prayers
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
Reflection
God’s Love For Each of Us
At every stage and in every circumstance, we are held in existence by God’s love. The presence of an illness, disability, or other challenging situation never diminishes the value of a human life. God does not call us to perfection of appearance or abilities, but to perfection in love. Christ invites us to embrace our own lives and the lives of others as true gifts.
Abortion tragically rejects the truth that every life is a good and perfect gift, deserving protection. This violent practice ends the life of a human being at its very beginning and horribly wounds all those involved. But Christ came that we “might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10), taking on human flesh for the sake of our redemption. May our culture experience the power of God’s transforming love, that all eyes may be opened to the incredible beauty of every human life.
Acts of Reparation
(Choose one.)
- Take a break from television and movies today. Consider spending some of that time praying with today’s reflection.
- Pray the short prayer “Every Life is Worth Living,” reflecting on the gift of human life. (Also available to order or download.)
Heavenly Father, thank you
for the precious gift of life.
Help us to cherish and protect
this gift, even in the midst of
fear, pain, and suffering.
Give us love for all people,
especially the most vulnerable, and help us bear witness to the truth that every life is worth living.
Grant us the humility to accept help
when we are in need,
and teach us to be merciful to all.
Through our words and actions, may others encounter the outstretched hands of Your mercy.
We ask this through
Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
- Offer some other sacrifice, prayer, or act of penance that you feel called to do for today’s intention.
One Step Further
Abortion is frequently a topic in the news, political debates, and everyday conversations with family or friends. Because abortion can be a controversial and emotional issue in any arena, many of us may feel intimidated when the topic arises, not knowing what to say. Another Look at Abortion provides a basic overview and summarizes key points. This article will help you be better prepared to witness to the sanctity of human life.
You Can Pray Each Day
We have nine days of prayer, which is the basic format for any novena. The term novena refers to 9 days, and is a way to recreate the experience of prayer that occurred in the Upper Room between the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, and today. As the apostles and Mary were in the Upper Room, they prayed each day in waiting for the Spirit of God to move, which, of course, we celebrate at Pentecost. Each day we will post an additional novena prayer.
The prayer topics are below:
Day One: May the tragic practice of abortion end.
Day Two: May each person suffering from participation in abortion find forgiveness, hope, and healing in Christ.
Day Three: May all who defend life find strength and renewal in the Holy Spirit.
Day Four: May all unborn children be protected in law and welcomed in love.
Day Five: May all who support or participate in abortion experience a conversion of heart to seek and receive the Lord’s boundless mercy.
Day Six: May every expectant mother receive compassionate care and support as she nurtures the life in her womb.
Day Seven: May expectant fathers lovingly support the mothers of their children in welcoming new life.
Day Eight: May expectant mothers choosing adoption receive grace and support in embracing this loving option.
Day Nine: May civic leaders work for the protection of all human life, in every stage and circumstance.
On the friar, you can listen to our homilies (based on the readings of the day) and reflections. You can also ask us to pray for you or to pray for others. You can subscribe to our website to be informed whenever we publish an update.
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