John,

God has responded to YOUR prayers by sparing the lives of more than 20,000 babies--that we know of.

But there are many more saved babies that we don't know of because their moms didn't stop to tell vigil participants they chose life...yet.

Vigil participants in Tacoma, Washington, were approached by a woman who had first encountered their vigil six years ago.

"I saw you and wanted to stop and let you know that it was because of your presence here that I did not go into this abortion clinic six years ago," the woman began.

The mother was homeless at the time, and her boyfriend didn't want the baby. "But that day, I decided that I did want him. I can't imagine my life without him."

Vigil participants' eyes welled up with tears as they hugged the woman, who thanked them for their witness.

"Your prayers and signs made me decide to keep my baby," she added.

"We are over the moon with joy and praise for our loving, grace-filled God for His life-giving, lifesaving mercies!" exclaimed Tammy, who leads the Tacoma campaign.

Sarasota, Florida

James in Sarasota wrapped up a day at the vigil noting, "There were no saves that we know of...but that phrase, 'that we know of,' took on special meaning..."

Sarasota prayer warriors thought a young woman approaching Planned Parenthood was going into the facility. Instead, she pulled out her phone and showed them a photo of her child.

"She said she was going to abort, but seeing us there stopped her!" reported Emily, a vigil participant. "She thanked us for being there and saving her and the baby."

Greenville, South Carolina

A young woman drove to the Greenville vigil and approached campaign volunteers to thank them for praying.

"Two years ago, I went into the clinic. I was pregnant with my fifth child and I didn't want another," she said. "I signed the paperwork...but because you were here, I changed my mind. I didn't go through with it."

The mom's little boy will celebrate his second birthday this summer!

"I am so happy I have my son," the mother continued. "I've been wanting to stop and tell you each time I drive by and finally decided to stop today."

Jesus said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch." Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets."

--Luke 5:4-5

Father and Creator of human life, help us never to become discouraged in defending the full breadth of that most precious gift. Inspire us to remember that without You, we are powerless, and that what we do for the least, especially the helpless unborn, we are doing for Your Son, who lives and works in and through us. Give us strength to persevere in Your will. Amen.

See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn Carney
President/CEO, 40 Days for Life