Prayer for the Sanctity of Life and Protection of the Unborn

Sanctity of Life Sunday is January 18.  

Good Shepherd will be offering up this litany.

A Litany for the Sanctity of Life and the Protection of the Unborn

P:         Almighty and eternal God, you have created this world and all of us in it.  We praise you, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Lead all people everywhere to see that you are our Maker and that we are the work of your hands so that all would consider human life to be sacred.  Protect and defend all to whom you give life, whether born or unborn, until that day when you take our life from us again.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Heavenly Father, you do not delight in the death of the wicked, but that all would turn from their evil ways and live.  Keep us from evil, and forgive us our sins.  Strengthen us to proclaim your Law and to warn those who would continue in their sins.  At this time, we especially pray that you would help us to warn those who continue in the sin of abortion.  Work mightily through your word to bring to repentance all who seek, provide, or support these willful acts of murder.  Change the hearts of people who see this wrong and dare to call it a right, and who are so blind to call good what is evil.  We ask not only that our nation may be cleansed of this heinous sin, but also that you turn all people from their evil ways so that they would live.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Lord of the nations, you have given authority to the governments of this world to bring order and protection and to punish the wrongdoer.  We pray for our rulers that they would act responsibly in their positions over us.  Cause the leaders of our nation to restore justice for the unborn, who are being oppressed and killed.  Grant our President wisdom and courage to speak out against abortion.  Guide our legislators to propose, support, and pass laws that would protect the life of all people, whether unborn, elderly, frail, defenseless, or handicapped.  Move our judges to do your will in all cases which decide life and death.  Teach all rulers to despise what is evil and to cling to what is good.  Lord, in your mercy, 

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Heavenly Father, you have commanded us to live chaste and decent lives.  Bring all people to recognize the virtue of chastity, to exercise self-control over their sexual impulses, to honor marriage, and to keep the marriage bed pure so that every pregnancy is a cause for joy rather than regret.  Teach husbands and wives to regard children as a reward to be cherished and not a burden to be avoided.  Grant to all pregnant women, according to your mercy, a happy result in their childbearing.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Merciful Father, we thank you for the mercies you have bestowed upon us through your Son, Jesus Christ.  Many still bear the guilt, the shame, and the scars from sins they have committed against you.  Reveal to fearful sinners your mercies through the sufferings and death of your Son, Jesus Christ – whose body was cut, abused, and pierced to pay for sin, whose life was given up for the benefit of all, and whose blood was shed to cover over our guilt and shame.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Gracious Redeemer, you have called us to be the salt of the earth that this world might be preserved from greater wickedness.  Grant that more people will take your word to heart so that they will not sin by killing their children.  Bless those who work at the Redford Pregnancy Care Center and all pregnancy centers so that they may faithfully speak your word to those who come to them.  Let the fear of your wrath crush those who plot wickedness, and let your forgiveness deliver the penitent from damnation and despair.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Gracious Redeemer, you have called us to be lights to the world.  Embolden us to bring your word to those around us.  Strengthen each of us so that, by our words, deeds, and prayers, we may truly be little christs to this world – doing your will, defending the helpless, aiding the needy, standing by the lonely, comforting the fearful, holding on to your truth, upholding your glory, and demonstrating your love.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

Other intercessions may be offered.

P:         Heavenly Father, we bring all of our petitions and intercessions to you, trusting that you will hear and act for our good, according to the promises of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray.

C:        Amen.

Prayer for the Sanctity of Life (January 19, 2025)

A Litany for the Sanctity of Life and the Protection of the Unborn

P:         Almighty and eternal God, you have created this world and all of us in it.  We praise you, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Lead all people everywhere to see that you are our Maker and that we are the work of your hands so that all would consider human life to be sacred.  Protect and defend all to whom you give life, whether born or unborn, until that day when you take our life from us again.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Heavenly Father, you do not delight in the death of the wicked, but that all would turn from their evil ways and live.  Keep us from evil, and forgive us our sins.  Strengthen us to proclaim your Law and to warn those who would continue in their sins.  At this time, we especially pray that you would help us to warn those who continue in the sin of abortion.  Work mightily through your word to bring to repentance all who seek, provide, or support these willful acts of murder.  Change the hearts of people who see this wrong and dare to call it a right, and who are so blind to call good what is evil.  We ask not only that our nation may be cleansed of this heinous sin, but also that you turn all people from their evil ways so that they would live.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Lord of the nations, you have given authority to the governments of this world to bring order and protection and to punish the wrongdoer.  We pray for our rulers that they would act responsibly in their positions over us.  Cause the leaders of our nation to restore justice for the unborn, who are being oppressed and killed.  Grant our President wisdom and courage to speak out against abortion.  Guide our legislators to propose, support, and pass laws that would protect the life of all people, whether unborn, elderly, frail, defenseless, or handicapped.  Move our judges to do your will in all cases which decide life and death.  Teach all rulers to despise what is evil and to cling to what is good.  Lord, in your mercy, 

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Heavenly Father, you have commanded us to live chaste and decent lives.  Bring all people to recognize the virtue of chastity, to exercise self-control over their sexual impulses, to honor marriage, and to keep the marriage bed pure so that every pregnancy is a cause for joy rather than regret.  Teach husbands and wives to regard children as a reward to be cherished and not a burden to be avoided.  Grant to all pregnant women, according to your mercy, a happy result in their childbearing.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Merciful Father, we thank you for the mercies you have bestowed upon us through your Son, Jesus Christ.  Many still bear the guilt, the shame, and the scars from sins they have committed against you.  Reveal to fearful sinners your mercies through the sufferings and death of your Son, Jesus Christ – whose body was cut, abused, and pierced to pay for sin, whose life was given up for the benefit of all, and whose blood was shed to cover over our guilt and shame.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Gracious Redeemer, you have called us to be the salt of the earth that this world might be preserved from greater wickedness.  Grant that more people will take your word to heart so that they will not sin by killing their children.  Bless those who work at the Redford Pregnancy Care Center and all pregnancy centers so that they may faithfully speak your word to those who come to them.  Let the fear of your wrath crush those who plot wickedness, and let your forgiveness deliver the penitent from damnation and despair.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Gracious Redeemer, you have called us to be lights to the world.  Embolden us to bring your word to those around us.  Strengthen each of us so that, by our words, deeds, and prayers, we may truly be little christs to this world – doing your will, defending the helpless, aiding the needy, standing by the lonely, comforting the fearful, holding on to your truth, upholding your glory, and demonstrating your love.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

Other intercessions may be offered.

P:         Heavenly Father, we bring all of our petitions and intercessions to you, trusting that you will hear and act for our good, according to the promises of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray.

C:        Amen.

Doing good, no matter what

Just yesterday, volunteers who were at the Redford Pregnancy Care Center (RPCC) showed up to find the Care Center vandalized.  Windows were smashed and graffiti was spray painted on a newly painted exterior wall.   Based on the graffiti, which branded the RPCC as a "Fake Clinic," it seems that this vandalism was inspired by someone who wants abortion on demand to be maintained and is fearful of Roe v. Wade being overturned.  A similar act of vandalism also occurred at a pregnancy care center in Dearborn Heights.

Thankfully, no one was harmed and no one gained entry into the RPCC to cause further damage.

The likelihood of the culprit seeing this blog post is almost 0%, but a few thoughts deserve to be stated.

The RPCC is not a clinic.  It never has been, and it has never pretended to be.  In the past, it was a place where women could go to get a pregnancy test.  If these women discovered they were pregnant (and it was often traumatic news because of various circumstances), they were encouraged to do the right thing--even if were the hard thing--and to carry the baby to term, give birth, and either raise the child or give it up for adoption.  This advice was given because we believe that lives are precious gifts of God and that unborn children are not to be regarded as wicked or disposable.

The mission of the RPCC has changed over the years.  Now pregnancy tests are easy to get, so rarely does anyone come in for them anymore.  The RPCC has morphed into a alms-giving ministry.  We commend the women who have chosen to do the right thing in giving birth to the children they conceived.  We recognize that raising these children comes with challenges and expenses.  We aim to relieve some of that burden with gifts of diapers, formula, clothing, and other materials that can help young mothers.

The attack on the RPCC this past weekend was no doubt done in ignorance.  By disrupting our services, the benefits to young mothers have also been disrupted.  I doubt the vandal(s) recognize this.  Nevertheless, the motive of the vandal(s) was wicked.  Destruction of someone else's property is always sinful.  And yes, that includes people who have bombed abortion clinics.  The wickedness of abortion is not overcome by violence.  (I have not heard of such an attack for quite some time, although it is still cited as if it happens often.  A quick internet search for "abortion clinic firebombed" yielded one result from 2012.  All other results were for pregnancy care centers being attacked.)

Defending abortion by violence is doubly wicked.  I pray that those who embrace either would repent.  The RPCC will fix the broken glass, increase security, and continue in its mission.  We will continue to do good even if we would be attacked for it.  

Our ultimate goal is to be faithful to our Lord and to his word.  So, we will take to heart the words of St. Peter and strive to act accordingly: "Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed.  Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.  For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil" (1 Peter 3:13-17).

Some photos from the Redford Pregnancy Care Center.

A Pastoral Concern -- Mistaking the true enemy

Last week, I attended part of a Plymouth Right to Life meeting at an LC-MS congregation in Plymouth.  I was curious about the topic, "Shepherding a Culture of Life," and how various clergy would address it.  There was a panel of pastors there--two LC-MS pastors, two Roman Catholic priests, and a priest from the Byzantine Catholic Church.  They were each given an opportunity to respond to questions composed by the attendees.  It was moderated by a representative from Michigan Right to Life who had just recently resigned as a pastor from an LC-MS congregation to take this position at Michigan Right to Life.

I can't say I was surprised by much at this panel discussion.  Thankfully, all the pastors were clearly pro-life and condemned abortion as opposed to God's will.  The 5th Commandment is not flexible in regard to the intentional killing of people, even those in the womb.  Sadly, there are plenty of churches and pastors who are pro-choice, but they were not part of the panel.  I suspect that none of them would have found any compelling reason to attend.  The sides are pretty well drawn up at this point.

There were a few surprises, and each was disappointing.  One continual sentiment among the panel of pastors was the apparent need to speak out about pro-life issues on every Sunday.  Maybe I was over-sensitive to their advice.  Maybe it was overstatement for the sake of trying to impress its importance.  As grievous a sin as murder is, and as horrible an abomination it is that abortion is supported and celebrated in our culture, it is not the only sin to be addressed.  I am not going to be condemned because there are abortion clinics served by doctors and staff, and visited by frightened women who want to erase an unwanted pregnancy (or by angry men who refuse to accept the responsibility for their sexual exploits).  Do I wish they did not exist?  Sure.  But I face judgment for my own sinfulness and the sinful thoughts, words, and actions that spring forth from that sinful condition.  We all need pardon for our sin and deliverance from God's wrath.  Jesus Christ alone provides that through the preached word and the administered sacraments.  That needs to be the chief and constant proclamation Sunday after Sunday.   I suspect the clergy panel would agree with me.  I hope they do, and also practice that.  But that was not the emphasis I took away from the Right to Life meeting. 

The greater disappointment came from two former pastors, each unwitting of the other's comments.  The man who sat at my table for lunch is currently a pastor.  He is soon retiring from the ministry.  I don't begrudge him of that.  He had been serving his congregation for 35 years.  It was, however, his next venture which he deemed a calling from God that struck me.  He told me that he was going to run for public office (I will keep it that vague since he has not officially announced his candidacy).  He is certain that God has called him to do this.  Why?  To fight the evils going on in our society.  Isn't he doing that as a pastor now?  And isn't he a pastor according to God's call?  I don't mean to be overly harsh to this man.  He has the freedom to do what he wants.  But it seems that he feels he can do more good for God in public office than he can as a pastor in Christ's Church.  

The other comment came from the moderator.  Now that he is no longer a pastor but works for the Right to Life, he stated that his job is doing battle with Satan and all the forces of evil.  Granted, Satan stokes up the wickedness which produces the "need" and desire for abortions.  But what was this man doing when he was a pastor?  Was he not doing battle against Satan and all the forces of evil?  Was he not driving unclean spirits out of the hearts of people with every baptism?  Was he not releasing prisoners of Satan by proclaiming the forgiveness of sins?  Was he not soothing consciences afflicted by the devil through Holy Absolution?  Was he not strengthening the Christians in the Church Militant by feeding them the body and blood which has overcome sin, death, and the devil?  If he was not doing battle with the devil, the demons, and all the forces of evil as a pastor, what was he doing?

I have to say that my curiosity was satisfied by going to this Right to Life meeting.  I appreciate and support the care and concern for people to have their lives protected and valued.  Life is, indeed, a gift of God and for that reason to be regarded as sacred.  Who could ever suggest that someone's life has less, little, or no value because of hardship, inconvenience, or expense?  That certainly does not come from God's lips.

Michigan Right to Life is a political action committee.  They seek to promote and encourage politicians and legislation to protect life and prevent murder.  Pastors, however are not politicians.  They don't work for politicians.  They are prophets.  A pastor's role is to preach the Gospel and to release souls from the grip of sin, death, and the devil.  Unbelievers will always think and act like unbelievers.  Laws may curb behavior, but it will not change hearts.  Jesus does not seek to threaten people into submission to morals.  He converts sinners and transforms them to love God's word.  Therefore, the pastor preaches Christ crucified to change and to comfort sinners--even those who have been guilty of aborting babies.  Those who have done so often bear a crushing burden of guilt.  Jesus Christ gives pardon from that guilt and from all guilt which no legislative body can ever produce.  Christ's love also compels us to support giving aid and assistance to those who have chosen the right thing (even if it is the hard thing) to keep the baby that they were not prepared for.  The Redford Pregnancy Care Center is just one place that such aid and assistance can be found.  It is a tangible way to show the mercies of Christ to others.

But since the Gospel is the only way heaven is opened, sinners are saved and comforted, and eternal life is granted, I will keep that as my focus.  The devil, the demons, and all the forces of evil will hate it and will fight against it.  Thankfully, Jesus has overcome them all and grants victory to those who believe in him and hear his word, no matter what our laws are.

Prayer -- For Life & the Unborn

This prayer was spoken this past Sunday in recognition of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade (January 22, 1973).

A Litany for the Gift of Life and for the Protection of the Unborn

P: Almighty and eternal God, you have created this world and all of us in it.  We praise you, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Lead all people everywhere to see that you are our Maker and that we are the work of your hands so that all would consider human life to be sacred.  Protect and defend all to whom you give life, whether born or unborn, until that day when you take our life from us again.  Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P: Heavenly Father, you do not delight in the death of the wicked, but that all would turn from their evil ways and live.  Keep us from evil, and forgive us our sins.  Strengthen us to proclaim your Law and to warn those who would continue in their sins.  At this time, we especially pray that you would help us to warn those who continue in the sin of abortion.  Work mightily through your word to bring to repentance all who seek, provide, or support these willful acts of murder.  Change the hearts of people who see this wrong and dare to call it a right, and who are so blind to call good what is evil.  We ask not only that our nation may be cleansed of this heinous sin, but also that you turn all people from their evil ways so that they would live.  Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P: Lord of the nations, you have given authority to the governments of this world to bring order and protection and to punish the wrongdoer.  We pray for our rulers that they would act responsibly in their positions over us.  Cause the leaders of our nation to restore justice for the unborn, who are being oppressed and killed.  Grant our President wisdom and courage to speak out against abortion.  Guide our legislators to propose, support, and pass laws that would protect the life of all people, whether unborn, elderly, frail, defenseless, or handicapped.  Move our judges to do your will in all cases which decide life and death.  Teach all rulers to despise what is evil and to cling to what is good.  Lord, in your mercy, 
C: Hear our prayer.

P: Heavenly Father, you have commanded us to live chaste and decent lives.  Bring all people to recognize the virtue of chastity, to exercise self-control over their sexual impulses, to honor marriage, and to keep the marriage bed pure so that every pregnancy is a cause for joy rather than regret.  Teach husbands and wives to regard children as a reward to be cherished and not a burden to be avoided.  Grant to all pregnant women, according to your mercy, a happy result in their childbearing.  Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P:  Merciful Father, we thank you for the mercies you have bestowed upon us through your Son, Jesus Christ.  Many still bear the guilt, the shame, and the scars from sins they have committed against you.  Reveal to fearful sinners your mercies through the sufferings and death of your Son, Jesus Christ – whose body was cut, abused, and pierced to pay for sin, whose life was given up for the benefit of all, and whose blood was shed to cover over our guilt and shame.  Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P: Gracious Redeemer, you have called us to be the salt of the earth that this world might be preserved from greater wickedness.  Grant that more people will take your word to heart so that they will not sin by killing their children.  Bless those who work in our Pregnancy Care Centers so that they may faithfully speak your word to those who come to them.  Let the fear of your wrath crush those who plot wickedness, and let your forgiveness deliver the penitent from damnation and despair.  Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P: Gracious Redeemer, you have called us to be lights to the world.  Embolden us to bring your word to those around us.  Strengthen each of us so that, by our words, deeds, and prayers, we may truly be little christs to this world – doing your will, defending the helpless, aiding the needy, standing by the lonely, comforting the fearful, holding on to your truth, upholding your glory, and demonstrating your love.  Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

Other intercessions may be offered.

P: Heavenly Father, we bring all of our petitions and intercessions to you, trusting that you will hear and act for our good, according to the promises of your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we join to pray….

LORD’S PRAYER