This week, we join in prayer and penance to mark the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton Supreme Court decisions that legalized abortion in the US in 1973. January 21–29 are days of the novena 9 Days for Life. On January 21, there is the National Prayer Vigil for Life. Our bishops encourage us to participate in a day of prayer and penance on January 22, the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. The March for Life in Washington, DC, is scheduled for January 29. Since it is a virtual event this year, you may join it here.
Please join in praying this prayer from Day 1 of the 9 Days for Life novena. Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.
Heavenly Father, thank you
for the precious gift of life.
Help us to cherish and protect
this gift, even in the midst of
fear, pain, and suffering.
Give us love for all people,
especially the most vulnerable,
and help us bear witness to the
truth that every life is worth living.
Grant us the humility to accept
help when we are in need,
and teach us to be merciful to all.
Through our words and actions,
may others encounter the
outstretched hands of Your mercy.
We ask this through
Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer credit: Every Life is Worth Living, © 2015, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.
Image credit: Rido/Shutterstock.com
