O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. - Psalm 139:1-6
Alone in her room one night, Emilie sat in shock staring at a dozen positive pregnancy tests. Her entire future was about to change. Emilie, still not wanting to believe the overwhelming evidence that she was actually pregnant, decided to visit a pregnancy resource center in her area for one more test. She went alone, scared and uncertain of her next steps.
Hundreds of questions circled through her head as she waited to hear the results: What if I really am pregnant? How will I tell my mom? What will all my friends think? What will the kids at school say? The client advocate shared the news of her positive result with compassion and empathy. Even with all the love and support that was given to her, she left the pregnancy resource center unsure of what decision she was going to make regarding the life of her unborn baby.
After a great deal of thought and prayer, Emilie chose life for her unborn baby and within weeks she began attending Life Skills Classes offered by the pregnancy resource center. After Emilie gave birth to her precious little girl, she was able to finish high school surrounded by a support system of family and friends.
According to Guttmacher Institute, women under the age of 18 make up 12% of abortion patients each year, and about one in four women will have an abortion by age 45.
Emilie was blessed to have the support of family and friends and the opportunity to contact her local pregnancy resource center for help. However, not every woman experiences the same level of love and support.
Pray that strength and courage will abound in the hearts of women who experience unexpected pregnancy. Pray for God’s peace and presence. May an appreciation for the life He created be instilled in the hearts of expectant young mothers and fathers.
Pray for the young women who experience coercion to have an abortion from a significant other or parent. May they know God’s love and mercy. May God grant the restoration of relationships and the reunification of families.
Pray for wisdom for those working in pregnancy resource centers who are frontline responders in defending life. May they be filled with compassion and wisdom as they meet women like Emilie in times of uncertainty. May women who are considering their pregnancy options feel empowered to choose life for their unborn children and may the Gospel of Jesus be made known that they might know repentance, mercy and peace.
Download the entire 7-day devotional, Praying for Our Nation's Youth, here:
https://abstinence.net/files/2021/01/Prayers_For_Our_Nation's_Children_E-Book_-_Abstinence_Clearinghouse.pdf