Prayers can save lives. There’s even been scientific studies to back up this claim. But one vigil south of the U.S. border spared an unborn child in its midst!
This miracle occurred in Santa Ana Nextlalpan, Mexico, after a 40 Days for Life volunteer invited her neighbor to a prayer vigil.
During this time, two important facts were unknown.
1. The neighbor didn’t fully understand what she was being invited to, despite deciding to participate anyway.
2. The 40 Days team at the vigil had no idea she was pregnant—and planning to abort the child. In fact, not even her own family was aware!
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Others in the woman’s life knew of the pregnancy and had tried to convince her to let the child live, said 40 Days for Life Director of Latin American Campaigns Lourdes Varela.
But none succeeded.
As the woman arrived at the vigil, she was quietly still planning to abort. After welcoming her warmly, the team invited her to pray for abortion to end entirely.
And she chose to take part — a decision that would prove shockingly impactful. The Lord was present with her and softened her heart toward the silent, growing life in her womb.
Later that evening, the woman’s family returned home and was surprised to discover her on her knees. She was praying more, now weeping, and asking for forgiveness for her plans to destroy her unborn child.
She had changed her mind and now chosen life.
The impact of the vigil had succeeded where others had not. And now an innocent life remains intact.
“She and her family are very happy with the decision; her belly is big now,” Varela said, adding that the volunteer who had invited her neighbor remains in touch with the expectant mother.
It’s evidence of a critical point Varela makes.
The 40 Days for Life pro-life initiative combines the elements of prayer and fasting, constant vigil, and community outreach in its campaigns.
40 Days for Life Campaign Director Steve Karlen told Pregnancy Help News that prayer is key in 40 Days for Life campaigns. In addition, participants strive to help women understand that the baby is not the problem and having their baby will bring them more peace and joy.
"If a woman is going through a pregnancy crisis, a small prayer can give them the answers and peace they need to choose life," Karlen said.
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As of the close of the spring 2022 campaign, 40 Days for Life had tabulated 455 babies saved from abortion with this latest campaign.
More than 20,000 babies have been saved by 40 Days for Life prayer warriors since 2007, according to the group’s stats, 114 abortion centers have closed, and 229 abortion workers have quit as of the publishing of this article. And those numbers will only rise.
The power of those prayers continues.
Because prayer can save lives.
