Monday, February 13, 2012

A Service

This afternoon at 1pm Sav-A-Life held a memorial service for the recorded 53 million abortions since the Roe vs. Wade court decision to legalize abortion in the United States. It was a time to remember the lives lost due to abortions and the lives that were forever impacted and changed as a result. Prayer, scripture reading, and a dedication and blessing of those precious babies to the Lord were included.

We sat together in humble silence, song, and confession, as we worshiped the Lord, mourned the loss of these children, and praised the Father for his sovereign mercy.

Prayer of Confession:
"Let us confess our sins unto Almighty God. 
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep, 
we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, 
we have offended against Thy holy laws, 
we have left undone the things which we ought to have done, 
and we have done those things which we ought not to have done...
Thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord; 
and grant, O merciful Father, for His sake, that we may hereafter 
live a Godly, righteous and sober life, to the glory of Thy holy Name.
Amen."
As we prayed this prayer, I was particularly convicted of leaving "undone the things which we ought to have done, and doing those things which we ought not to have done." What a gracious Father we have to forgive us of our unfaithfulness. We praise Him for the lives he brings into this world and those he takes home to be with him. Everything according to His perfect will.

One moment that struck my heart and will continue to remain with me was the ringing of the bells. We sat in silence as the bells were rung 53 times for the 53 million lives lost. We mourn, but we also rejoice that these unknown lives are with Jesus today.
 Following the ringing of the bells, the floor was opened to light a candle in memory of each specific life lost. It was a time of silent reflection and prayer.

As we closed with a prayer and a blessing, we remembered the healing that Christ brings to all our hearts, and the way in which His glory may be seen through every circumstance.

"I bring all my energies to bear on this one thing: 
forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." 
Philippians 3:13
We will continue to pray for those who are hoping for healing in the times ahead. It is only through our Father we may find full forgiveness and healing.


Cassie, 
Sav-A-Life Vestavia Intern

2 comments:

  1. You guys use terrorism so much I forgot you pro-lifers believe in God.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you took the chance to get to know us at Sav-a-Life, you would learn that we are against violence in all its forms. We condone only love and peace, never hate. I've never found a place less judgmental than Sav-a-Life.

      Delete