John,

It's exciting when a large group of volunteers gathers to pray at a 40 Days for Life vigil...

...but the reality is that when you visit any campaign around the world, you're likely to see two or three people praying at a time.

That's normal and it's no less effective than a big crowd.

As the campaign team in Plano, Texas recently learned, sometimes there's strength in small numbers.

Marie in Plano had been standing alone, praying for and smiling at each Planned Parenthood client who walked into the abortion referral center.

Her smile opened the door to a conversation with a woman who approached her only because there wasn't a crowd on hand.

"Why are you here?" the woman asked cautiously.

Marie offered the help, encouragement and resources the expectant mother needed, empowering her to choose life. The two exchanged hugs and cell phone numbers before the woman left Planned Parenthood.

Metepec, Mexico

There is no abortion in Metepec, and pro-lifers there want to keep it that way. They're holding their vigil in the public square to keep abortion out of their community.

A police officer came to remove them from the public square, not relenting even when the vigil leader showed her permit to pray at the location.

Fortunately, a local businesswoman intervened, inviting vigil participants to stand vigil on her private property.

Winston Salem, North Carolina

Winston Salem leader Samantha encourages families to participate in her 40 Days for Life campaign together.

She practices what she preaches--Samantha's kids are a staple at the vigil. "The children color with chalk, blow bubbles or play tag in the grass nearby," she said.

That's important because children have a powerful presence at a 40 Days for Life vigil. The sight of cute little boys and girls can be a beautiful reminder that parenthood is a gift.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

—Psalm 127:3-5

Heavenly Father, please keep me from taking for granted the gift of children. Help us to remember this heritage that you have given us. Make us faithful stewards of these precious lives, that each generation might be raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life