A Prayer for Life
As SCOTUS debates, let's pray
Yesterday, a draft opinion was leaked indicating that the Supreme Court is currently set to overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling which legalized abortion in 1973. Since then, millions of unborn babies have been aborted legally in our country. This has been one of the great sins of our nation, and now it seems there is a chance this ruling can be overturned. For this we praise the Lord. Overturning Roe v. Wade would not make all abortions illegal, but it would allow this to be a state decision with several states in line to create universal bans.
Now begins the (likely) months-long wait to see how the Supreme Court actually votes. This will be a time full of political talking heads, power plays, threats, and hyperbole. I’m not a politician, but I do know that this political move could save countless lives. There are others far more competent than myself to speak to these things, so I’d like to leave the details to better spokesmen. Instead, I’d like to offer a brief prayer that might help us take this issue to the Lord in hope that he might bring about justice for the unborn, for women, and for families across our country.
The nations will rage. The leaders will plot in vain. The politicians will chatter. But God’s people must pray.
Father, you are the God and author of life. You breathed your very own breath into the soul of man so that we might bear your image. You declared this life to be good and you continue to sustain this life within mankind. From the conception of life, your image is present and precious within us. In your image, we have been called to protect and celebrate this life, but from the beginning we have struggled to obey. In a fallen and sinful world full of selfishness, misinformation, manipulation, fear, and pride, we have failed to protect the most vulnerable and precious among us. This failure worked its way up to the highest court of our land. We and our “Justices” have failed to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before you. For this we ask for forgiveness, repentance, and renewal.
Yet now we have an opportunity to take steps towards justice and righteousness. Our Justices have within their reach a chance to turn the tide on this issue. Give these men and women clarity, resolve, and guidance. Protect them from opposition. Use this in our land to bring about change and revival. Whether or not this ruling is overturned, may our churches be a place for healing, hope, and care. May we show a passion and resolve to care for the needy from the womb onward through support, generosity, benevolence, and community.
Finally, we know that this debate will surely open up past wounds and regrets from women and families who have chosen abortion. Comfort those who are hurting. May they know your grace, mercy, and forgiveness. May our speech be gracious and gentle. Keep us from worldly tactics and tones. May we use this as an opportunity to share with our neighbor why life matters and who gives it value.
Father, we call on you to act. Use these earthly means to bring about heavenly justice and righteousness in our land. Do this for the unborn, for the vulnerable, for the gospel, and for your glory.
In Jesus’s Name. Amen.