John,

A record-number of saved babies has been reported since this fall's 40 Days for Life campaign began on September 22...

...but if you haven't witnessed a mom choose life, does that mean your prayers weren't answered?

And how many lives does peaceful vigil actually save anyway?

Mounting evidence shows your prayers save more lives than you think!

On this week's episode of The 40 Days for Life Podcast, we examine real-world data proving that the official number of babies saved by 40 Days for Life prayer warriors is just the tip of the iceberg.

Listen in by visiting:

40daysforlife.com/how-many-babies-do-your-prayers-really-save

And then sign up to pray at your local vigil before the campaign ends next week!

Knoxville, Tennessee

Vigil participants in Knoxville reported that a young woman tried to enter the abortion facility...but the door was locked.

After tugging on the door and pressing the buzzer with no success, she returned to her vehicle, where she noticed 40 Days for Life volunteers praying for her.

Even when other clients successfully entered the abortion facility, she did not try again. Instead, she continued to look at the vigil participants before leaving.

"Please pray for this young lady that her heart may be filled with hope and trust in God’s providential care and merciful love [and] that she might choose life for her unborn child," said Paul, the local leader.

Álvaro Obregón, Mexico City, Mexico

A woman arrived at the abortion facility in Álvaro Obregón and looked for the doorbell.

But then, she saw vigil participants praying for her. She hesitated, walked around for a little while...and then she left!

We might never know whether the woman was an abortion client who changed her mind, but her sudden departure is certainly a good sign!

"We pray for that woman, hoping she never comes back," said 40 Days for Life Director of Latin American Campaigns Lourdes Varela.

Little Rock, Arkansas

A young woman came to Planned Parenthood in Little Rock...

...but never got out of her car!

A prayer volunteer shared that the woman sat in her car for an extended period of time, staring at the sign he was holding.

"She eventually drove away without ever going inside," reported Toni, the Little Rock campaign leader.

And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

—Luke 1:41-44

Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem. As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life