John,

Planned Parenthood in California is down another abortion worker thanks to the prayers of 40 Days for Life volunteers.

Vigil participants were wrapping up their shift on the sidewalk when a young woman pulled up in her car to chat.

"Now that I don't work here anymore, I'm allowed to talk to you!" she began. "You are doing good work. Keep it up."

Vigil participants introduced themselves to the now-former abortion worker, who reported that their peaceful prayer presence disrupts the abortion facility's operations in two key ways:

1. Large numbers of abortion clients cancel their appointments when they see prayer warriors on the sidewalk.
   
   
2. "Employees get testy and grumpy and even angry, and it becomes a miserable place to work."

The newly liberated abortion worker was blocking the turn lane, so she had to cut the conversation short and move on...

...but before she left, she told the campaign volunteers, "I'm so grateful and happy that I don't have to work at that place anymore!"

The local vigil leader said this interaction sums up why public prayer is so important. "It is nice to pray at home, in your chapel, and in your prayer closet. But the workers and customers of the abortion business cannot see you there...Witness takes place face-to-face."

Nashville, Tennessee

National Director of Priests for Life Fr. Frank Pavone confirmed the importance of on-site prayer and witness in a surprise visit to the Nashville 40 Days for Life vigil.

"It was AWESOME! He was very encouraging and real!" reported Courtney, the local leader. "He mentioned the importance of our presence on the sidewalk instead of praying from home."

Courtney was deeply inspired by the presence of a member of the clergy on the sidewalk--and hopes that more will join her team praying for an end to abortion.

Bronx, New York

Pearl in the Bronx recently shared the news of her campaign's first saved baby in 2022.

Two women exited the abortion facility. One told Pearl, "She changed her mind and did not go through with it."

As the women left the abortion facility, sidewalk counselors made sure the young mom knows that they are ready and willing to provide assistance and support.

"The woman came out of the facility beaming," Pearl shared. "She was obviously relieved that the life of her little one was spared."

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

— Psalm 19:1-2

Heavenly Father, thank You that creation itself proclaims Your existence and points to Your truth. With the explicit testimony of Your Word as our foundation, may we also help those around us understand that the sciences of conception and gestation reveal profound and immutable truths about You and about what it means to be created in Your image.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life