{{first_name|Friend}},
Where God does more than we come for.
As we enter the last week of 40 Days for Life, I have been reflecting on what these 40 days have meant, not just this year, but from the very beginning.
This is actually where it all started for me in 2018.
Mark originally hired me to help coordinate the prayer vigils, and I quickly fell in love with being on the sidewalk. Praying, meeting other prayer warriors, and witnessing what God was doing right in front of us changed me. Over time, I began to see how He was slowly preparing me for the role I am in now.
I am so grateful for the people I have met, the stories I have heard, stories of healing, of conversion, and yes, of prayers that had been carried for years, finally being answered.
It has shown me that God always does more than what we come for.
We come to pray for women, for babies, and for an end to abortion. But God meets us there and begins to move in our own lives as well.
And it makes me think about how all of this began.
I am also deeply grateful for the brave, obedient, and courageous men who said yes to God and started 40 Days for Life, David Bereit and Shawn Carney. What happens when God calls and equips someone, and they respond without holding back? It creates something that changes the world.
It also makes me reflect on how often fear or doubt can hold us back from stepping into what God is asking of us.
What might God be asking of us right now?
As we approach the end of these 40 days, let us stay open to what He is doing, not only through us, but within us.
Please join us! We’ll have a photo booth, food, prizes, and a chance to fellowship.
This will be a joyful and powerful time as we thank God for all He has done and celebrate the lives touched during these 40 days.
Reminder: Sidewalk Story Contest
We would still love to hear from you. Share a moment from your hour at the vigil that impacted you, whether it was a conversation, a quiet encounter, or something the Lord placed on your heart.
We will share a few of these stories as a witness to what God is doing on the sidewalk.
Please email your story to [email protected] with the subject line: “My Sidewalk Story.”
Gratefully in Christ,
Jessica Sifuentes
President & CEO
Southwest Coalition, Inc.
Devotional for Day 34
Intention:
For openness to the ways God is working in our own lives through these 40 days.
Scripture:
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8
Reflection:
We often enter prayer with a specific intention, asking God to act in a certain way. But God is never limited to our expectations. As we spend time with Him, He begins to work not only in the situation we are praying for, but within our own hearts. These 40 days are not only about what God is doing through us, but what He is doing in us. When we remain open, we begin to recognize the quiet ways He is answering prayers we have carried for a long time.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to recognize how You are working in my life. Open my heart to receive what You are doing, and draw me closer to You through every moment of prayer.
Challenge:
Take a moment today and pray for those who cannot go out to pray in public, and Pray Psalm 51 for Dr. Theard.
40 Days of Gift Giving
Each day, one Registered Prayer Volunteer from every vigil site will be selected to receive a small Southwest Coalition merchandise item that we already have on hand. It is a simple and joyful way for us to thank you for showing up and standing faithfully in prayer.
Today’s Winners Are…
Pink House/Hillrise Vigil: Bernadette Castillo
Santa Teresa Vigil: Marcia Schwartz
UNM Vigil: Laura Torres
Planned Parenthood El Paso Vigil: Lourdes Salazar