John,

When you pray at your local 40 Days for Life vigil and don't see any babies saved, it can be tempting to doubt whether your presence makes a difference.

But one group NEVER doubts whether you make an impact on the sidewalk: Planned Parenthood.

In Nashville, Tennessee, the abortion giant installed an ugly blue tarp across the chain link fence that surrounds its parking lot in order to isolate abortion clients from offers of free help.

"What a compliment to us and how effective our prayers must be!" said Kathleen, the local leader in Nashville.

Fortunately, neither the tarp (completed in time for this spring's 40 Days for Life vigil) nor the freezing temperatures is slowing down Music City vigil participants.

"We're still able to communicate at the parking lot entrance and even over the fence," Kathleen said. "The Nashville campaign is off to a great start!"

Cork, Ireland

Nearly two years ago, Ireland legalized abortion in a landslide referendum. The result of the vote has been an unmitigated disaster for mothers and unborn babies on the Emerald Isle.

The Cork 40 Days for Life team is praying in front of Cork University Hospital. According to local leaders, "thousands of abortions have taken place [at the hospital] in the last 14 months."

May the prayer presence in Cork help Ireland quickly rediscover its pro-life roots!

San Francisco, California

"This first week has been the best ever!" said the campaign team in San Francisco.

Vigil participation is up significantly as more churches and young adult groups are adopting weekly prayer shifts on the sidewalk.

That's important because Planned Parenthood is preparing to open a new flagship facility in San Francisco this year.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.

—Luke 4:18-19

Lord, send us to the poorest, the most broken, the most captive, the most blind and the most oppressed in the world, the innocent pre-born children in their mother’s wombs that are scheduled for destruction. Help us to bring them healing, liberty, sight and justice through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life