Prayer and Fasting Does Save Lives

Details: 11 March 2011

Undoubtedly, many Catholics have already determined what special prayers and sacrifices they will embrace to grow spiritually this Lent. However, I have another suggestion for Catholics to consider: offer special prayers and sacrifices specifically for those women and men contemplating abortion.

Specifically, I encourage Catholics to offer prayers and sacrifices on the days that abortions are done. At the Planned Parenthood abortion mill in Lincoln, abortions are typically done on Tuesdays and Fridays. At the Bellevue abortion mill, abortions are done on varying days but usually Thursday through Sunday.

In both locations, there are dedicated, even heroic, men and women who come (rain or shine, cold or heat) to pray and/or reach out to the mothers with messages of hope and help. This prayerful presence has been extremely powerful and fruitful in prompting mothers to reject abortion and choose life for their children.

For example, on a recent abortion day in Lincoln, seven out of 26 mothers scheduled to have abortions that day changed their mind and left the abortion mill without having an abortion. Praise God! Although 19 women still had abortions, seven "saves" that day was unprecedented; truly a miracle.

That day, like most abortion days, there were various individuals and groups who came to pray at the abortion mill. We know from personal testimonies that the visible witness and blanket of prayer that these "pray-ers" provide has been the catalyst for mothers who changed their mind about abortion.

For those individuals who live within a reasonable drive to the abortion mills in Lincoln and Omaha, there is much need for more volunteers to be present in prayer or, if so called, to help as a sidewalk "counselor." Lincoln Right to Life or Nebraskans United for Life (Omaha) can be contacted for more information about such volunteering.

In addition, both groups have sponsored the "40 Days for Life" prayer event during Lent this year. This event proposes to have a physical presence of prayer at the abortion mills 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Around the country, "40 Days for Life" efforts have been credited with the closure of some abortion mills, and the conversion of abortion mill workers and mothers scheduled for abortions.

For those who cannot be physically present at the abortion mills, prayers and sacrifices can still be offered in solidarity with those who are physically present. For example, consider offering a holy hour (or just a short visit) before the Blessed Sacrament at your local church on one of the days abortions are done.

Or, pray a rosary or some other prayer at home, while you are driving to work or while doing other daily activities. Offering some sort of sacrifice—big or small—in tandem with your prayers is also powerful and fruitful.

Those who are confined to their homes due to illness, age, or frailty or who live in nursing homes can be just as efficacious in their prayers and sacrifices as those who are physically present at the abortion mills. And those who suffer—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—can be particularly powerful intercessors by offering their suffering for the conversion of mothers contemplating abortion.

Our Lord Jesus said that "certain kinds of demons do not leave but by prayer and fasting" (Mt. 17:21). Therefore, our prayers and sacrifices this Lent and beyond can be a very significant contribution toward saving lives and building a culture of life and love.

You can contact Greg at The Nebraska Catholic Conference,

215 Centennial Mall South Suite 310, Lincoln, NE 68508; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.