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PRAYER BOOK

40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Contents

General Prayers to End Abortion

p 4 - 23

Scripture Passages

p 24 38

Traditional Catholic Devotions -Mysteries of the Rosary -Stations of the Cross

p 39 - 74

Catholic prayers to the Saints

p 75 88

Final reflections

p 89-90

40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

"...Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." (Luke 6:12)

"And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly." (Luke 18:7,8)

40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

General Prayers to End Abortion

20 minutes praying to end abortion


Spend the first minute simply worshipping and adoring the Lord Jesus who it THE Life! Try not to make any requests at this time. Just spend a minute telling Him how incredibly awesome He is! Check out these Psalms for help with this if you need it or want it. Psalm 48, 63, 65, 84, 89, and 92. There are many MANY more, but these should take you well into a minute of praise and worship! Spend another minute thanking God for the gift of life. Use this short time to recognize what an awesome blessing it is just to be alive, and let that enhance your prayer for those yet unborn to have the chance to experience how great life can be. Pray for the woman in your community who at this very moment is considering an abortion. Consider her emotions (fear, anxiety, maybe even contempt or indifference) and pray that the Holy Spirit would minister to her, teaching her to recognize, respect, and love the personhood of her unborn child. Pray that God would grant her the courage she needs to carry and deliver him/her. If you know someone personally, please mention her to our Lord by name! This one is in bold because I would like this to be the one request that we ALL pray for! No matter which method of prayer that you use,please pray this one request! Pray that the families, friends, churches of those who choose to carry their babies would support their decision to let the child live. Especially pray for the father's of these babies, that they will love and support their child. Pray that adoption agencies would be successful in finding loving families for babies that are placed in their care. (This is a very Pro-Life issue! We dont just want to see the babies born, we want to see them loved and nurtured as well!) Pray for inner conversion of those who perform abortions in your community and those who assist them. If you know names of specific people or places that offer elective abortions, please mention them by name! Pray for all those in the community who support, urge, and rally for abortion especially for those profess faith in Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit would move them in such a way,, that they would realize the great detriment of the culture of death that they are promoting. Pray for all those fighting abortion at level in society. Pray for God to protect them against all evil, and grant them strength and courage to keep it up!. Pray for all Pro-Life ministries that you can think of that God would supply all their needs and inspire them with ideas of how be the most effective in the fight against abortion. Again, if know any by name, mention them specifically! Pray for those in positions of civil authority that they would heed the voice of their Pro-Life constituents as well as for them to be personally involved in the movement!

40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Pray that those men and women in authority would actively present and pass laws that respect all human life from conception to natural death. Pray that the right of conscience would always be protected for all medical personnel. Pray for those in your community who have had abortions. Pray that God would heal their wounds and give them grace and courage to testify to the destructive nature of abortion. Pray for your local community of Christians that we would all keep open doors and hearts to those who have had abortions. Pray that our local churches would be beacons of hope and healing to those who regret their decision to abort their child. Pray for society that we will come to an understanding of Gods design for life, especially the family unit and uphold His law above our own desires. Pray that all marriages would be open to life. Pray for the leaders of our churches that they would receive inspiration and strength from God to remain steadfast in their convictions against the murder of innocent unborn children. Pray again for the Christian community that we would all be obedient to our spiritual leaders as they guide us in the battle for a culture of life. Spend at least one full minute repenting on behalf our nation who has allowed this legalized murder for so long. Even though you may not have been actively involved, there is great power and merit in begging mercy for others! Pray for another minute thanking the Lord again for hearing the needs that you have offered to him in prayer. Ask him for strength to be a voice in any way possible for the Gospel of Life. Spend the final minute of prayer in silence listening for God to inspire you as to what ways you should be involved with the local Pro-Life movement.

Pledge of Re-commitment

I thank God today for the gift of my life, And for the lives of my brothers and sisters.

I know I am responsible for the unborn who cannot speak for themselves. I know that the most serious tragedy of our day is the tragedy of abortion.

Today I commit myself,

40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL never to be silent, never to be passive, never to be forgetful of the unborn.

I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement And never to stop defending life Until all my brothers and sisters are protected, And our nation once again becomes A nation with liberty and justice Not just for some, but for all. Amen!

40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Divine Mercy for the Unborn

For all helpless little children who die in the womb of their mother, I pray that all of these little souls will be given eternal life by Our Lord, Jesus Christ, through His Divine Mercy and I beg Jesus that I be allowed to spiritually baptize a little soul born dead and I do so by saying: I baptize you (Give name, preferably a Saints Name) in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit I have called you by your name, you are Mine! (Is. 43:1)

Prayer of Divine Mercy Apostolate Capuchin Friary, Dublin

Prayer to God the Father of all Life

Eternal God, You have revealed Yourself as the Father of all Life. We praise You for the Fatherly care which You extend to all creation, and especially to us, made in Your image and likeness.

Father, extend Your hand of protection to those threatened by abortion, and save them from its destructive power. Give Your strength to all fathers, that they may never give in to the fears that may tempt them to facilitate abortions.

Bless our families and bless our land, that we may have the joy of welcoming and nurturing the life of which You are the source and the Eternal Father. Amen.

Redeemer in the Womb

Lord Jesus Christ, You took our human nature upon Yourself. You shared our life and death, our childhood and adulthood.

You also shared our time in the womb. While still God, while worshipped and adored by the angels, while Almighty and filling every part of the universe, You dwelt for nine months in the womb of Mary. You were our Redeemer in the womb, our God who has a preborn child.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Lord Jesus, we ask You to bless and protect the children who today are in their mothers womb. Save them from the danger of abortion. Give their mothers the grace to sacrifice themselves, in body and soul, for their children. Help all people to recognize in the preborn child a brother, a sister, saved by You, our Redeemer in the womb.

Prayers to the Holy Spirit

Giver of Life

Come Holy Spirit, Creator of all things You who breathed over the waters at the dawn of creation and brought forth all living beings You who filled the apostles when the Risen Lord breathed on them on the first Easter night, giving them the power to restore life to those dead in sin You who, on the last day, will breathe again over all the dead and raise them from the graveCome! Come and breathe on our world again, immersed as it is in the Culture of Death! Come, O Lord and Giver of Life! Defeat the works of death in our midst, that abortion may no longer stain our land.

We worship You, O Holy Spirit, and we rejoice in You. We know that no matter how strong the forces of death may be, we can still find in You the endless source of life. Renew that life in each of us, and make us worthy apostles of the Culture of Life in our day! Amen.

Prayer to the Spirit of Truth

Holy Spirit, You are the promised Spirit of Truth, constantly revealing the splendor of truth to Your people, and leading us deeper into the Mysteries of our Faith.

Come to us today, and deepen in our minds and hearts the truth about the life: its greatness, its dignity, its reflection of the eternal God. Make us appreciate ever more the truth that life is always a good, and that every life is of equal dignity, despite all the different characteristics people have, or the different circumstances under which they come to be.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Come, Spirit of Truth. Free all Your people from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion. Free them from the false and harmful ideas which make a god out of their own choices, or which fail to recognize the right to life of children in the womb.

Come, O Holy Spirit, and as You immerse us in Your truth, so make us effective witnesses of that truth within our families, among our friends, and to all the world. Amen. The Advocate O Holy Spirit of God, You were promised to us by the Lord Jesus as the Advocate, as one who pleads our cause and speaks up for us in the heights of heaven. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever (Jn. 14:15).

The apostle Paul has taught us that You intercede for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in speech (Rom. 8:26).

We praise You today for the gift of salvation, for we are deeply aware that we cannot save ourselves. We have sinned, and we cannot win forgiveness on our own. We need an Advocate.

We ask You, O Holy Spirit, to make us ever more aware of those who need us as advocates. Grant that we may hear the cries of our youngest, smallest brothers and sisters, those still in the womb, who cannot speak or defend themselves, and who cannot even pray.

Holy Spirit, as You are the Advocate, so make us advocates. As You hear our cries for mercy, so let us hear the cries of others for mercy. Save us from the misfortune of seeking mercy only for ourselves, while being deaf to others. As You loosened the tongues of the apostles at Pentecost, so grant us today a Pentecost for the unborn, that we may speak for them before the great and the small, before governments and institutions, and before all Your people. Amen.

40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Litany in Response to Abortion By Fr. Frank Pavone

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father, Creator of the world, have mercy on us. RESPONSE: Have mercy on us! God the Son, through whom all things were made, God the Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life, Lord Jesus, the Beginning and the End, Lord Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Lord Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, Lord Jesus, Eternal Word of Life, Lord Jesus, living in the womb of the Virgin Mary, Lord Jesus, Lover of the poor and weak, Lord Jesus, Defender of the helpless, Lord Jesus, Bread of Life, For every sin against life, For the sin of abortion, For the daily killing of innocent babies, For the bloodshed throughout our land, For the silent screams of Your children, For the killing of Your future disciples,

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL For the exploitation of women by abortion, For the silence of Your people, For the apathy of Your people, For the cooperation of Your people in this tragedy, For our pre-born brothers and sisters killed by abortion, RESPONSE: Lord, hear our prayer. For our pre-born brothers and sisters threatened by abortion, For our brothers and sisters who have survived abortion, For mothers who have had abortions, For mothers tempted to have abortions, For mothers pressured to have abortions, For mothers who have refused to have abortions, For the fathers of aborted babies, For the families of aborted babies, For the families of those tempted to have abortions For abortionists, For all who assist and cooperate in abortions, For doctors and nurses, that they may nurture life, For government leaders, that they may defend life, For the clergy, that they may speak up for life, For the pro-life movement, For those who speak, write, and work to end abortion, For those who help provide alternatives to abortion For those who promote adoption, For national and local pro-life groups, For unity in the pro-life movement,

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL For courage and perseverance in pro-life work, For those who suffer ridicule and rejection for their stand for life, For those imprisoned for defending life, For those who have been injured and mistreated for defending life, For legal professionals, For courts and judges, For police officers, For educators, For media professionals,

In thanksgiving for the babies saved from abortion, In thanksgiving for the mothers saved and healed from abortion, In thanksgiving for the former abortion providers who have become pro-life, In thanksgiving for all those who take a stand against abortion, In thanksgiving for the call to be part of the pro-life movement,

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Let us Pray Almighty and ever-living God, You have created all things through Your Son Jesus Christ. He trampled the power of death by His Paschal Mystery. May all who acknowledge You promote the sacredness of life and always serve You faithfully, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Prayer of Blessing Over Memorial for the Unborn

Father of Life and Love, we thank you today that you have called us to share in the life of the one human family. We thank you for all our brothers and sisters, and ask You to deepen the bonds of love among us.

We thank you especially for our youngest and smallest brothers and sisters, those in the womb. Today, Oh Lord, we remember them, while so many choose to ignore and forget them. We remember those who are living, and commend them to Your protection. We remember those who have died and we commend them to Your mercy. Father, we dedicate to You this memorial stone. We pray that it will serve as a witness to the humanity of our youngest brothers and sisters. We pray that it will serve as a testimony that we are responsible for them. We pray that it will provide a place where those who have lost their children may mourn and find comfort.

We pray, Father, that we who are the living stones of the Church, may likewise be witnesses to the dignity of life. Give us the grace to confront the evil of abortion and eliminate it. May we see the day when all people who look upon this stone will remember abortion only as a thing of the past, and may praise You forever for the victory of life. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Priests for Life Prayer


Father, all life is in Your care. You have entrusted us to one another, that we may show our brothers and sisters the same love You have for us. We pray, then, for the least among us, the children in the womb. Protect them from the violence of abortion. We pray for those that are scheduled to die at Bedford Square Save them from death.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Give new hope to their parents, that they may turn away from the desperate act of abortion. Grant conversion to the abortionist and to the staff. Show us how we are to respond to the bloodshed in our midst, And lead us to the day when this place of death Will be transformed into a haven of life. Guard us with your joy and your peace, For in You, life is victorious. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Prayer to End Abortion


Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life, And for the lives of all my brothers and sisters. I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion, Yet I rejoice that you have conquered death by the Resurrection of Your Son. I am ready to do my part in ending abortion. Today I commit myself Never to be silent, Never to be passive, Never to be forgetful of the unborn. I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement, And never to stop defending life Until all my brothers and sisters are protected, And our nation once again becomes A nation with liberty and justice Not just for some, but for all, Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Litany of the Holy Ghost


Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Father all powerful, have mercy on us Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us. Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us. Holy Trinity, hear us Holy Ghost, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Holy Ghost, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us. Ray of heavenly light, have mercy on us Author of all good, have mercy on us Source of heavenly water, have mercy on us Consuming fire, have mercy on us Ardent charity, have mercy on us Spiritual unction, have mercy on us Spirit of love and truth, have mercy on us Spirit of wisdom and understanding, have mercy on us Spirit of counsel and fortitude, have mercy on us Spirit of knowledge and piety, have mercy on us Spirit of the fear of the Lord, have mercy on us Spirit of grace and prayer, have mercy on us Spirit of peace and meekness, have mercy on us Spirit of modesty and innocence, have mercy on us Holy Ghost, the Comforter, have mercy on us Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us Holy Ghost, Who governest the Church, have mercy on us Gift of God, the Most High, have mercy on us Spirit Who fillest the universe, have mercy on us Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us Holy Ghost, inspire us with horror of sin. Holy Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth. Holy Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls. Holy Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts Holy Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy love. Holy Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces Holy Ghost, teach us to pray well. Holy Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations. Holy Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation Holy Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge. Holy Ghost, inspire in us the practice of good. Holy Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues. Holy Ghost, make us persevere in justice. Holy Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Ghost. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Ghost. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety. V. Come, Holy Ghost! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful, R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Let Us Pray. Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth forever and ever. R. Amen.

Prayer for Life

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL O God, our Creator, all life is in your hands from conception until natural death. Help us to cherish our children and to reverence the awesome privilege of our share in creation. May all people live and die in dignity and love. Bless all those who defend the rights of the unborn, the handicapped and the aged. Enlighten and be merciful toward those who fail to love, and give them peace. Let freedom be tempered by responsibility, integrity and morality. Amen.

The Magnificat
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because He that is mighty hath done great things to me, and holy is His Name. And His Mercy is from generation unto generations upon them that fear Him. He hath shown might in His arm. He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath received Israel, His servant, being mindful of His mercy. As He spoke to our Fathers, Abraham and His seed forever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Come, Holy Spirit


V. Come Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your Divine Love. R. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Let us Pray: Oh God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructed the hearts of the faithful. Grant, that by the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Litany of Humility
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart,Hear me. Fromthe desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus. From the desire of being loved... From the desire of being extolled ... From the desire of being honored ... From the desire of being praised ... From the desire of being preferred to others... From the desire of being consulted ... From the desire of being approved ... From the fear of being humiliated ... Fromthe fear of being despised... From the fear of suffering rebukes ... From the fear of being calumniated ... From the fear of being forgotten ... From the fear of being ridiculed ... From the fear of being wronged ... From the fear of being suspected ... That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. That others may be esteemed more than I ... That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease ... That others may be chosen and I set aside ... That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL That others may be preferred to me in everything... That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should

Prayer in Thanksgiving to the Trinity

O Eternal God! O Eternal Trinity! Through the union of Thy divine nature Thou hast made so precious the Blood of Thine only-begotten Son! O eternal Trinity, Thou art as deep a mystery as the sea, in whom the more I seek, the more I find; and the more I find, the more I seek. For even immersed in the depths of Thee, my soul is never satisfied, always famished and hungering for Thee, eternal Trinity, wishing and desiring to see Thee, the True Light. O eternal Trinity, with the light of understanding I have tasted and seen the depths of Thy mystery and the beauty of Thy creation. In seeing myself in Thee, I have seen that I will become like Thee. O eternal Father, from Thy power and Thy wisdom clearly Thou hast given to me a share of that wisdom which belongs to Thine Only-begotten Son. And truly hast the Holy Spirit, who procedeth from Thee, Father and Son, given to me the desire to love Thee. O eternal Trinity, Thou art my maker and I am Thy creation. Illuminated by Thee, I have learned that Thou hast made me a new creation through the Blood of Thine Only-begotten Son because Thou art captivated by love at the beauty of Thy creation. O eternal Trinity, O Divinity, O unfathomable abyss, O deepest sea, what greater gift could Thou givest me then Thy very Self? Thou art a fire that burns eternally yet never consumed, a fire that consumes with Thy heat my self-love. Again and again Thou art the fire who taketh away all cold heartedness and illuminateth the mind by Thy light, the light with which Thou hast made me to know Thy truth. By this mirrored light I know Thou are the highest good, a good above all good, a fortunate good, an incomprehensible good, an unmeasurable good, a beauty above all beauty, a wisdom above all wisdom, for Thou art wisdom itself, the the food of angels, the fire of love that Thou givest to man. Thou art the garment covering our nakedness. Thou feedest our family with Thy sweetness, a sweetness Thou art from which there is no trace of bitterness. O Eternal Trinity! Amen.

A Trinity Prayer

Love of Jesus Fill us. Holy Spirit Guide us. Will of the Father be done.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Prayer For Those with Profound Disabilities

Lord Jesus Christ, You know the pain of brokenness, You took our weaknesses upon Your shoulders and bore it to the wood of the cross. Hear our prayers for our brothers and sisters whose bodies fail them and whose minds are crippled by the ravag3333333es of disease. Implant a love for them deep within our hearts, that we, disfigured and disabled by our sin, may treasure and nuture the gifts of their lives. May we find You in their weakness, and console You in our care for them. For You are Lord, forever and ever. Amen

Prayer For Those Close to Death

Lord Jesus Christ, As You stood by the bed of good Saint Joseph and gently led him home to heaven, so shepherd every soul about to die to a paradise of perfect peace. Let the tears we shed upon their passing stand witness to our love for them and the depth of our thanksgiving for the gift of their lives and the grace of a good death. For You are Lord, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer For Babies in Their Mothers Womb

O God of all creation, Nurture and protect tiny children and keep them safe in the sanctuary of their mothers womb. As You so wondrously form their hearts and minds and lungs and souls, so strengthen our will to lovingly nurture and protect them. Give us the eyes to see them as our brothers and sisters, the minds to welcome them as our own, and the faith to defend them as Your children. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, our Blessed Mother, and the mother of all the little ones, through Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Prayer For Babies About to Be Born

Heavenly Father, From the moment these children were conceived, You knew their names. In the silent first hours of their lives, as cells divided and their living flesh quickened, Your love breathed deep within and they began to grow in Your image and likeness. May our prayers be accompanied by choirs of angels as we await their births. We ask this through Your child who was formed in the Virgins womb and who lived and died for us, Lord, forever and ever. Amen.

Daily Prayer to End Abortion


Here is a daily prayer to end abortion. Every unborn child is Gods Precious gift and we have no right to end a human life. Lets pray for all those who struggle through abortion and who want to end their unborn babies. Father in heaven, we thank you for the precious gift of human life to our first parents, Adam and Eve, and to every human being down the centuries till today. In your Divine Providence, you have made us your collaborators in the transmission of this gift and in preserving it from the moment it is conceived till it is transformed into life eternal. We beg pardon for those who suffocate human life in unborn babies, who eliminate it violently with enmity and hatred, or who suppress it prematurely in the elderly and the terminally ill. Grant us so to cherish human life that we shall always respect and defend it, especially within the sacred shrine of the family where it is born and nurtured. We promise to use the gift of life with gratitude and care at all times and in every place. We make this prayer to You, our loving Father, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Life, in the Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life, and the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, who came that we may have life in abundance. Amen

I Thirst for you... Meditation based on the Spiritual Teaching of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock... (Rev.3, 20) It is true. I stand at the door of your heart, day and night. Even when you are not listening, even when you doubt It could be Me, I am the there. I await even the smallest sign of your response, even the least whispered invitation that will allow Me to enter.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL And I want you to know that whenever you invite Me, I do come-always, without fail. Silent and unseen I come, but with infinite power and love, and bringing the many gifts of My Spirit. I come with My mercy, with My desire to forgive and heal you, and with a love for you beyond your comprehension a love every but as great as the love I have received from the Father; As much as the Father has loved Me, I have loved you...(Jn 15:10) I come longing to console you and give you strength, to lift you up and bind all your wounds. I bring you My light, to dispel your darkness and all your doubts. I come with My power, that I might carry you and all your burdens; with My grace to touch your heart and transform your life; and My peace I give to still your soul. I know you through and through. I know everything about you. The very hairs of your head I have numbered. Nothing in your life is unimportant to Me. I have followed you through the years, and I have always loved you even in your wanderings. I know every one of your problems. I know your needs and your worries. And yes, I know all your sins. But I tell you again that I love you not for what you hhave or havent done I love you for you, for the beauty and dignity of My Father gave you by creating you in His own image. It is a dignity you have often forgotten, a beauty you have tarnished by sin, But I love you as you are, and I have shed My Blood to win you back. If you only ask Me with faith, My grace will touch all that needs changing in your life and I will give you the strength to free yourself from sin and all its destructive power. I know what is in your heart I know your loneliness and all your hurts the rejections, the judgements, the humiliations. I carried it all before you. And I carried it all for you, so you might share My strength and victory. I know especially your need for love how you are thirsting to be loved and cherished, But how often have you thirsted in vain, by seeking that love selfishly, striving to fill the emptiness inside you with passing pleasures with the even greater emptiness of sin. Do you thirst for love? Come to Me all you who thirst... (Jn 7:37). I will satisfy you and fill you. Do you thirst to be cherished? I cherish you more than you can imagine to the point of dying on the cross for you. I thirst for you. Yes, that is the only way to even begin to describe My love for you. I THIRST FOR YOU. Come to me, and I will fill your heart and heal your wounds, I will make you a new creation and give you peace, even in all your trials. I THIRST FOR YOU. You must never doubt my mercy. My acceptance of you, My desire to forgive, My longing to bless you and live My life in you. I THIRST FOR YOU. If you feel unimportant in the eyes of the world, that matters not at all. For Me, there is no one more important in the entire world than you. I THIRST FOR YOU. Open to me, come to Me, thirst for Me, give Me your life and I will prove to you how important you are to My Heart. Dont you realise that My Father already has a perfect plan to transform your life beginning from this moment? Trust in Me. Ask Me every day to enter and take charge of your life and I will. I promise you before My Father in Heaven that I will work miracles in your life. Why would I do this? Because I THIRST FOR YOU. All I ask of you is that you entrust yourself to me completely. I will do all the rest. Even now I behold the place My Father has prepared for you in My Kingdom. Remember that you are pilgrim in this life, on a journey home. Sin can never satisfy you, or bring the peace you seek. All that you have sought outside of Me has only left you more empty, so do not cling to things of this life. Above all, do now run from me when you fall. Come to me without delay. When you give Me your sins, you give Me the joy of being your saviour.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL There is nothing I cannot forgive and heal; so come now, and unburden your soul. No matter how far you may wander, no matter how often you forget Me, no matter how many crosses you bear in your life, there is one thing I want you to always remember-one thing that will never change, I THIRST FOR YOU just as you are. You dont need to change to believe in My love, for it will be your belief in My Love that will change you. You forget me, and yet I am seeking you every moment of the day standing at the door of your heart and knocking. Do you find this hard to believe? Then look at the cross, look at My heart that was pierced for you. Have you not understood My cross? Then listen again to the words I spoke there for they tell you clearly why I endured all this for you: I THIRST...(Jn 19:28)Yes, I thirst for you as the rest of the psalm verse I was praying says of Me: I looked for someone to console me and I found none... (Ps. 69:21). All your life I have been looking for your love I have never stopped seeking to love you and be loved by you. You have tried many other things in your search for happiness; why not trying to open your heart to Me, right now, more than you have ever done before. Whenever you do open the door of your heart, whenever you come close enough you will hear Me say to you again and again, not in mere human words but in spirit. No matter what you have done, I love you for your own sake. Come to me in your misery and your sins, with your troubles and needs, and with all your longings to be loved. I stand at the door of your heart and knock. Open to me, for I THIRST FOR YOU.

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Scripture Passages
Psalm 51: 3-19 For I am well aware of my offences, My sin is constantly in mind. Against you, you alone have I sinned, I have done what you see to be wrong.

That you may show your saving justice when you pass sentence, and your victory may appear when you give judgment, remember, I was born guilty, a sinner from the moment of conception.

Bur you delight in sincerity of heart, And in secret you teach me wisdom. Purify me with hyssop til I am clean, Wash me til I am whiter than snow.

Let me hear the sound of joy and gladness And the bones you have crushed will dance. Turn away your face from my sins, And wipe away all my guilt.

God, create in me a clean heart, Renew within me a resolute spirit, do not thrust me away from your presence, do not take away from me your spirit of holiness.

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Give me back the joy of your salvation, Sustain in me a generous spirit. I shall teach the wicked your paths, And sinners will return to you.

Deliver me from bloodshed, God, God of my salvation, And my tongue will acclaim your saving justice. Lord, open my kips, And my mouth will speak out your praise

Sacrifice gives you pleasure, Burnt offering you do not desire. Sacrifice to God is broken spirit A broken contrite spirit you never scorn

In your graciousness, do good to Zion, Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in upright sacrifices, -burnt offeringsand whole oblations and young bulls will be offered on your altar.

Psalm 32 How blessed are those whose offence is forgiven, Whose sin is blotted out. How blessed are those to whom Yahweh imputes no guilt,

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL whose spirit harbours no deceit.

I said not a word, but my bones wasted away From groaning all the da; Day and night Your hand lay heavy upon me; My heart grew parched as stubble in summer drought.

I made my sin known to you Did not conceal my guilt. I said, I shall confess My offence to Yahweh. And you, for your part, took away my guilt, forgave my sin.

This is why each of your faithful ones prays to you In time of distress. Even if great floods overflow, They will never reach your faithful. You are a refuge for me, You guard me in trouble, With songs deliverance you surround me.

I shall instruct you and teach you the way to go; I shall not take my eyes off you.

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Be not like a horse or a mule; That does not understand bridle or bit; if you advance to master them, there is no means of bringing them near.

Countless troubles are in store for the wicked, But one who trusts in Yahweh is enfolded in his faithful love.

Rejoice in Yahweh, Exult all you upright Shout for joy, you honest of heart.

Psalm 34 I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise continually on my lips. I will praise Yahweh from my heart; Let the humble hear and rejoice.

Proclaim me with greatness of Yahweh, Let us acclaim his name together. I seek Yahweh and he answers me, Frees me from all my fears.

Fix your gaze on Yahweh and your face will grow bright, You will never hang your head in shame.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL A pauper calls out and Yahweh hears, Saves him from all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps Around those who fear him, and rescues them. Taste and see that Yahweh is good. How blessed are those who take refuge in him.

Fea r Yahweh, you his holy ones; Those who fear him lack for nothing. Young lions may go needy and hungry, But those who seek Yahweh lack nothing good.

Come, my children, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of Yahweh. Who among you delights in life, longs for time to enjoy prosperity?

Guard your tongue from evil, Your lips from any breath of deceit. Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of Yahweh are on the upright, his ear turned to their cry. But Yahwehs face is set against those who do evil,

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

They cry in anguish and Yahweh hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. Yahweh is near to the broken-hearted, he helps those whose spirit is crushed.

Though hardships without number beset the upright, His ear turned to their cry. But Yahwehs face is set against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

They cry in anguish and Yahweh hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. Yahweh is near to the broken-hearted, He helps those whose spirit is crushed.

Though hardships without number beset the upright, Yahweh brings rescue from them all. Yahweh takes care of all their bones, not one of them will be broken.

But to the wicked evil brings death, Those who hate the upright will pay the penalty. Yahweh ransoms the lives of those who serve him, and there will be no penalty for those who take refuge in him.

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Psalm 102: 17-20 He will turn to hear the prayer of the destitute, And will not treat their prayer with scorn. This shall be put in record for a future generation, And a people yet to be born shall praise God.

Proverbs 24: 11-12 Save those being dragged towards death, But can you rescue those on their way to execution? If you say, But look, we did not know, Will the Weigher of the heart pay no attention? Will not the Guardian of your soul be aware and repay you as your deeds deserve?

Job 1: 20 Naked I came from my mothers womb and naked I shall return again. The Lord gives, the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!.

1 Corinthians 12: 31, 13: 1-4. If I speak without love, I am no more than a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. And though I have the power of prophecy, to penetrate all mysteries and knowledge, and thought I have all the faith necessary to move mountains if I am without love, I am nothing. Though I should give away to the poor all that I possess, and even give up my body to be burned If I am without love, it will do me no good whatsoever,

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Romans 12:9-12 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, But keep you spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Isaiah 41:10-13 Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, Fear not, I will help you.

Philippians 2:1-4 Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.

Isaiah 55: 8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Hebrews 12: 1-2 Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Romans 12: 1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will is his good pleasing and perfect will.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Matthew 9: 26 Jesus looked at them and said: With man this is impossible, with God all things are possible.

Luke 14:27 Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Psalm 103: 8-12 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, Nor will he harbour his anger forever; He does not treat us as our sin deserve Or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he has removed our transgressions from us.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Matthew 5: 11-12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven.

Zechariah 14: 6-7 On that day there will be neither sunlight nor cols, frosty darkness. It will be a unique day a day known only to the Lord with no distinction between day and night. When evening comes, there will be light.

Proverbs 24:11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

Ephesians 6: 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms

Romans 8: 38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels not demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 20:16 The last will be first and the first will be last.

Matthew 10: 27-28 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Luke 24: 46-48 This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are the witnesses of these things.

John 1: 5 The light shines in darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

1 Corinthians 13:12-13 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirro; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

John 16:22-23 Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no-one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

Matthew 17:20 Truly I tell you, if you faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

Acts 1: 7-8 He said to them...But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.

Psalm 139: 13-14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Psalm 118: 5-6 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; He brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

John 18: 37-38 Jesus answered...the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. What is truth? retorted Pilate.

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Job 11: 7-9 Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,...to give you hope and a future.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Ephesians 3: 20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is a work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

John 15: 5,12,13 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down ones life for ones friends.

Luke 7:47 For this reason I tell you that her sins, many as they are have been forgiven because she has shown such great love. It is someone who has forgiven little who shows little love. Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever. Bless the Lord, all rain and dew; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Prayer from the book of Daniel (Ch. 3: 46-90)

Reader: Now the kings servants, who threw in Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, kept stoking the furnace with naphtha, pitch, tow, and brushwood. And the flames poured out above the furnace forty-nine cubits, and spread out and burned those Chaldeans who were caught near the furnace. But the angel of the Lord came down into the furnace to be with Azariah and his companions, and drove the fiery flame out of the furnace, and made the inside of the furnace as though a moist wind were whistling through it. The fire did not touch them at all and caused them no pain or distress. Then the three with one voice praised and glorified and blessed God in the furnace:

Bless the Lord, you heavens; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, all you winds; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, you angels of the Lord; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, fire and heat; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

(As with the Divine Office, this is best said by alternating between the people on the left saying one verse, followed by the people on the right saying the next verse).

Bless the Lord, all you waters above the heavens; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, winter cold and summer heat; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Bless the Lord, all you powers of the Lord; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our ancestors, and to be praised and highly exalted for ever; And blessed is your glorious, holy name, and to be highly praised and highly exalted for ever.

Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne on the cherubim, and to be praised and highly exalted for ever.

Bless the Lord, dews and falling snow; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, and to be extolled and highly glorified for ever.

Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, and to be extolled and highly exalted for ever.

Bless the Lord, sun and moon; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, ice and cold; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, and to be sung and glorified for ever.

Bless the Lord, stars of heaven; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, frosts and snows; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, nights and days; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, seas and rivers; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, you servants of the Lord; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, light and darkness; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, you whales and all that swim in the waters; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, spirits and souls of the righteous; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, lightning and clouds; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, all birds of the air; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, you who are holy and humble in heart; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Reader: Lord, we pray for all unborn babies across our nation whose lives are at risk of being aborted. We pray you keep them from all pain and distress. And we pray that wherever possible, you save their lives and deliver them safely from the violent ordeal that otherwise awaits them in the abortion facilities throughout our country. We humbly ask this in Jesuss name.

All: Amen.

Let the earth bless

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL the Lord; let it sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever. Bless the Lord, all wild animals and cattle; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever. All: Bless the Lord, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever. For he has rescued us from Hades and saved us from the power of death, and delivered us from the midst of the burning fiery furnace; from the midst of the fire he has delivered us. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures for ever. All who worship the Lord, bless the God of gods, sing praise to him and give thanks to him, for his mercy endures for ever.

Bless the Lord, mountains and hills; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, all people on earth; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, all that grows in the ground; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, O Israel; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, you springs; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

Bless the Lord, you priests of the Lord; sing praise to him and highly exalt him for ever.

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Traditional Catholic Devotions

General Intercessions during a Pro-Life Prayer Vigil

For the Holy Catholic Church throughout the world, that she may carry on her mission of life with faith and joy, we pray to the Lord

That God may protect all unborn babies, and keep them safe from the scourge of abortion, we pray to the Lord

For all women who have had abortions, and for those who feel tempted and afraid, we pray to the Lord

That God may bless all doctors and nurses, and help them use their skills to heal and foster life, we pray to the Lord

For all elected officials, that they courageously advance the cause of life, we pray to the Lord

For all those who work in the pro-life movement, that they move forward with haste to the great day of victory, we pray to the Lord

That God strengthen all pro-lifers who suffer ridicule, rejection or imprisonment, we pray to the Lord

For all those who have died, that they share the full glory of Heaven, we pray to the Lord

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Prayer to the Virgin Mary

O Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of us all, we turn to you today as the one who said "Yes" to Life. "You will conceive and bear a Son," the angel told you. Despite the surprise and the uncertainty about how this could be, you said yes. "Be it done unto me according to your word."

Mary, we pray today for all mothers who are afraid to be mothers. We pray for those who feel threatened and overwhelmed by their pregnancy. Intercede for them, that God may give them the grace to say yes and the courage to go on. May they have the grace to reject the false solution of abortion. May they say with you, "Be it done unto me according to your word." May they experience the help of Christian people, and know the peace that comes from doing God's will. Amen.

Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.

Pro-Life Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary

Joyful Mysteries

The Annunciation Mary is troubled by the angel's greeting, yet rejoices to do God's will. Let us pray that those who are troubled by their pregnancy may have the grace to trust in God's will.

The Visitation John the Baptist leapt for joy in his mother's womb. We pray that people may realize that abortion is not about children who "might" come into the world, but is about children who are already in the world, living and growing in the womb, and are scheduled to be killed.

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The Nativity God Himself was born as a child. The greatness of a person does not depend on size, for the newborn King is very small. Let us pray for an end to prejudice against the tiny babies threatened by abortion.

The Presentation The Child is presented in the Temple because the Child belongs to God. Children are not the property of their parents, nor of the government. They - and we - belong to God Himself.

The Finding of Jesus in the Temple The boy Jesus was filled with wisdom, because He is God. Let us pray that all people may see the wisdom of His teachings about the dignity of life, and may understand that this teaching is not an opinion, but the truth.

Sorrowful Mysteries

The Agony in the Garden Let us pray for mothers and fathers who are in agony because they are tempted to abort a child. May they be given the good news that there are alternatives, and may they make use of the help that is available.

The Scourging As Christ's flesh was torn by the instruments of those who scourged Him, so the bodies of babies in the womb are torn by the instruments of the abortionists. Let us pray that abortionists may repent of these acts of child-killing.

The Crowning With Thorns Jesus suffered the pain of thorns in His head, and did so silently. We pray for the mothers and fathers of aborted children. So many of them suffer deep grief and regret over a choice they can never reverse. So many suffer in silence.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL The Carrying of the Cross Jesus was not condemned by the power of wicked people. He was condemned because of the silence of good people. Silence always helps the oppressor, never the victim. Let us pray that we may never be silent about abortion, but rather will clearly speak up to save babies from death.

The Crucifixion As we ponder the death of Christ, let us remember the many women who have died from socalled "safe, legal" abortions. Let us ask forgiveness and mercy for them. May their memory save other women from making this tragic mistake.

Glorious Mysteries

The Resurrection Christ is Risen! By his Resurrection, He has destroyed the power of death, and therefore the power of abortion. The outcome of the battle for Life has already been decided: Life is victorious! Let us pray that all prolifers will spread this victory to every segment of our society.

The Ascension By ascending to the Father's throne, Christ takes our human nature, given to us in the womb, to the heights of heaven. He shows us that human beings are made to be raised to heaven, not thrown in the garbage. Let us pray that the world may learn this truth and reject abortion.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is the Advocate: He pleads our cause, for we cannot save ourselves. We pray that He will make us advocates for the babies, who cannot speak, write, vote or protest.

The Assumption The Blessed Virgin Mary was taken body and soul into heaven because she is the Mother of God. Mother and child are united. The Assumption reminds us that they belong together. We pray that society will see that it cannot love women while killing their children, and cannot save

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL children without helping their mothers. We pray that people will be touched by the pro-life question, "Why can't we love them both?"

The Coronation Mary is the Queen of the Universe. The Church teaches that she is the greatest creature, second only to God Himself. The Church defends the dignity of women. We pray that people will understand that to be pro-life means to be pro-woman, and that to be pro-woman demands that we be pro-life.

Luminous Mysteries

On October 16, 2002, Pope John Paul II recommended to the Christian world the addition of a new set of Mysteries to the Rosary. Following are pro-life meditations on these mysteries.

First Luminous Mystery: Christ is Baptized in the Jordan When Jesus is baptized, the Father's voice is heard: "This is my beloved Son." All are called to become adopted sons and daughters of God through baptism. We pray that children in the womb may be protected, so that they may be born and welcomed into the Christian community by baptism.

Second Luminous Mystery: Christ is made known at the Wedding of Cana Jesus revealed His glory by the miracle at Cana. The new couple was blessed not only with wine, but with faith in Christ. Let us pray for strong marriages, rooted in the Lord, and open to the gift of new life.

Third Luminous Mystery: Christ proclaims the Kingdom and Calls All to Conversion "Repent and believe the Good News." Let us pray that these first words of Jesus' public ministry may be heard by all who have committed abortion. May they know that the Lord calls them to conversion, and may they experience life-giving repentance.

Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Christ is transformed on the mountain, and the disciples see His glory. May the eyes of all people be transformed, that they may see each and every human life as a reflection of the glory of God Himself.

Fifth Luminous Mystery: Jesus gives us the Eucharist "This is My Body, given up for you." The Eucharist teaches us how to live and how to love. Let us pray that parents who sacrifice the babies for the sake of themselves may learn instead to put themselves aside for the sake of their babies.

Meditations of the Rosary from the Vatican

The Joyful Mysteries

The Annunciation of God's Plan to Mary (humility) "In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary" (Lk 1:26-27). Reflection: "The Annunciation to Mary inaugurates the 'fullness of time' (Gal 4:4), the time of the fulfilment of God's promises and preparations" (CCC, 484). We pray

The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth (charity/love of Neighbour) "In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!"' (Lk 1:39-42). Reflection: "Mary's visitation to Elizabeth thus became a visit from God to his people" (CCC, 717). We pray

The Nativity (love of God/poverty)

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrolment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn" (Lk 2:1-7).

Reflection: "Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family. Simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty heaven's glory was made manifest" (CCC, 525). We pray

The Presentation of the baby Jesus at the temple (spirit of sacrifice/Obedience to the law of God) "And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, 'Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord') and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, 'a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons"' (Lk 2:21-24). Reflection: "Jesus' circumcision, on the eighth day after his birth, is the sign of his incorporation into Abraham's descendants, into the people of the covenant. It is the sign of his submission to the Law" (CCC, 527). We pray

The Finding of the child Jesus in the temple (zeal/Joy in finding Jesus in your life) "Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it ... After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers" (Lk 2:41-47). Reflection: "The finding of Jesus in the temple is the only event that breaks the silence of the Gospels about the hidden years of Jesus. Here Jesus lets us catch a glimpse of the mystery of his total consecration to a mission that flows from his divine Sonship: 'Did you not know that I must be about my Father`s work?' (Lk 2:49)" (CCC, 534). We pray

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL The Luminous Mysteries

The Baptism of the Lord in the River Jordan (call to conversion/Openness to the Holy Spirit) "And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and a voice from heaven, saying, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased"' (Mt 3:16-17). Reflection: "Jesus' public life begins with his baptism by John in the Jordan. John preaches 'a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins' (Lk 3:3)" (CCC, 535). We pray

The Wedding at Cana (all is possible for God/To Jesus Through Mary) "On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.' And Jesus said to her, 'O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come.' His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you"' (Jn 2:1-5). Reflection: "On the threshold of his public life Jesus performs his first sign - at his mother's request - during a wedding feast: The Church attaches great importance to Jesus' presence at the wedding at Cana. She sees in it the confirmation of the goodness of marriage and the proclamation that thenceforth marriage will be an efficacious sign of Christ's presence" (CCC, 1613). We pray

The Proclamation of the Kingdom (the Good News/Repentance and Trust in God) "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel" (Mk 1:15). Reflection: "Everyone is called to enter the Kingdom. First announced to the children of Israel, this messianic kingdom is intended to accept men of all nations" (CCC, 543). We pray

The Transfiguration (have Faith/Desire for Holiness)

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL "And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light" (Mt 17:1-2). Reflection: "For a moment Jesus discloses his divine glory, confirming Peter's confession. He also reveals that he will have to go by the way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to 'enter into his glory' (Lk 24:26)" (CCC, 555). We pray

The Institution of the Eucharist (spiritual nourishment/Adoration) "Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body"' (Mt 26:26). Reflection: "By celebrating the Last Supper with his Apostles in the course of the Passover meal, Jesus gave the Jewish Passover its definitive meaning. Jesus' passing over to his Father by his Death and Resurrection, the new Passover, is anticipated in the Supper and celebrated in the Eucharist, which fulfils the Jewish Passover and anticipates the final Passover of the Church in the glory of the Kingdom" (CCC, 1340). We pray

The Sorrowful Mysteries

Agony in the garden at Gethsemane (true repentance/Sorrow for sins) "Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, 'Sit here, while I go over there and pray.' And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.' And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will"' (Mt 26:36-39). Reflection: "Such a battle and such a victory become possible only through prayer. It is by his prayer that Jesus vanquishes the Tempter, both at the outset of his public mission and in the ultimate struggle of his agony" (CCC, 2849). We pray

Scourging of Jesus at the pillar (mortification/Purity)

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL "Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. And the soldiers plaited a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple robe; they came up to him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' and struck him with their hands" (Jn 19:1-3). Reflection: "Jesus' sufferings took their historical, concrete form from the fact that he was 'rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes' (Mk 8:31 ), who 'handed him to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified' (Mt 20:19)" (CCC, 572). We pray

Crowning with thorns (moral courage) "Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe upon him, and plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on his head, and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him they mocked him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!"' (Mt 27:27-29). Reflection: "It is love 'to the end' (Jn 13:1) that confers on Christ's sacrifice its value as redemption and reparation, as atonement and satisfaction. He knew and loved us all when he offered his life" (CCC, 616). We pray

Carrying of the Cross to Calvary (patience) "And they compelled a passer-by, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull)" (Mk 15:21-22). Reflection: "By accepting in his human will that the Father's will be done, he accepts his death as redemptive, for 'he himself bore our sins in his body on the tree' (1 Pt 2:24)" (CCC, 612). We pray

The Crucifixion (final perseverance/Perseverance) "And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' ...

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!' And having said this he breathed his last" (Lk 23:33-46).

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Reflection: "'Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures' (1 Cor 15:3)" (CCC, 619). We pray

The Glorious Mysteries

The Resurrection (faith) "But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothes; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen"' (Lk 24:1-5). Reflection: "'If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain' (1 Cor 15:14). The Resurrection above all constitutes the confirmation of all Christ's works and teachings" (CCC, 651). We pray

The Ascension of Jesus into heaven (hope) "So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God" (Mk 16:19). Reflection: "This final stage stays closely linked to the first, that is, to his descent from heaven in the Incarnation. Only the one who 'came from the Father' can return to the Father: Christ Jesus" (CCC, 661). We pray

The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (zeal/Love of God) "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech" (Acts 2:1-4). Reflection: "'Holy Spirit' is the proper name of the one whom we adore and glorify with the Father and the Son. The Church has received this name from the Lord and professes it in the Baptism of her new children" (CCC, 691).

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL We pray

The Assumption of Mary into heaven (happy death/Grace of a happy death) "Henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me" (Lk 1:48-49). Reflection: "The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son's Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his Body" (CCC, 974). We pray

The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven (love for Mary/Trust in Mary's intercession) "And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars" (Rev 12:1 ). Reflection: "Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death" (CCC, 966). We pray

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Litany to Our Lady


Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy Christ have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the word, have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, pray for us. Holy Mother of God, pray for us. Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us. Mother of Christ, pray for us. Mother of the Church, pray for us. Mother of Divine Grace, pray for us. Mother most pure, pray for us. Mother most chaste, pray for us. Mother inviolate, pray for us. Mother undefiled, pray for us. Mother most amiable, pray for us. Mother most admirable, pray for us. Mother of good counsel, pray for us. Mother of our Creator, pray for us. Mother of our Savior, pray for us. Virgin most prudent, pray for us. Virgin most venerable, pray for us. Virgin most renowned, pray for us. Virgin most powerful, pray for us. Virgin most merciful, pray for us. Virgin most faithful, pray for us. Mirror of justice, pray for us. Seat of wisdom, pray for us. Cause of our joy, pray for us. Spiritual vessel, pray for us. Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us. Mystical rose, pray for us. Tower of David, pray for us. Tower of ivory, pray for us. House of gold, pray for us. Ark of the Covenant, pray for us. Gate of heaven, pray for us. Morning star, pray for us. Health of the sick, pray for us. Refuge of sinners, pray for us. Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us. Help of Christians, pray for us. Queen of angels, pray for us. Queen of patriarchs, pray for us. Queen of prophets, pray for us. Queen of apostles, pray for us.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Queen of martyrs, pray for us. Queen of confessors, pray for us. Queen of virgins, pray for us. Queen of all Saints, pray for us. Queen conceived without Original Sin, pray for us. Queen assumed into Heaven, pray for us. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us. Queen of Peace, pray for us. Queen of the Church, pray for us. Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world; spare us O Lord! Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world; graciously hear us, O Lord! Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: O God, whose only begotten Son by His life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we pray, that meditating upon these mysteries in the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Amen.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Stations of the Cross for the Victims of Abortion


Let all be convinced that human life and its transmission are realities whose meaning is not limited by the horizons of this life only; their true evaluation and full meaning can only be understood in reference to mans eternal destiny. Gaudium et spes, n. 51. Reflection on this passage from the decree of Vatican II on The Church in the Modern World,puts the abortion issue in proper perspective. We are dealing heat with eternal realities. Once called into being, each human being is destined for eternity. Abortion at any stage deprives a little human being of all opportunity, even of the opportunity of baptism. We know that God wishes all men to be saved (I Tim 2:4). We can hope and pray that, some way, He who loves these little divine images more than anyone else, has an unrevealed dispensation by which these little ones, may some way achieve an eternal beatific destiny. But the infants are not the only tragedies in this world-wide drama. Innumerable mothers, who, regardless of any other progeny, will always remain such, are fortunately haunted by the realization of the awfulness of their sin. Fortunate, for their pain can lead to repentance. Tormented though they are, they need to realize that God is infinitely merciful and loves them with an everlasting love. Lack of repentance is the only thing that stands between them and forgiveness and His loving embrace. To take this gigantic, trustful step, they need our prayers. Other actors in the tragedy, the fathers, other relatives who misled, misguided, or even pressured the mother, are also in need of conversion and repentance, as are, of course, the professionals who, for mercenary or even ideological considerations, actively participate in the misfortune. They all need our prayers. May our prayerful association with Christ, the Incarnate Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, in His Sacred Passion help us all to grow in appreciation of the awfulness of sin, which required such an atonement. May it help us realize His great love for sinners, all of us. May it inspire us to pray for the victims of abortion, and in a special way for the perpetrators who, unrepentant, remain the primary victims. Inspired by our association with Christ in His Sacred Passion, may we through our prayers overcome this evil afflicting our Nation and the culture of death that burdens us. With Gods grace may we eliminate this serious obstacle to the culture of life and to the coming of the Civilization of Love to which followers of Christ are called to contribute.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL

Prayer Before the Way of the Cross


In profound humility I adore You, my Lord and my God. I believe in You, I hope in You, and I love You above all things. I am heartily sorry that I have ever offended You, great and lovable above all beings. I will make this Way of the Cross for Your greater glory and for the salvation of souls.

First Station Jesus is Condemned to death

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: See our innocent Savior standing before His worldly judge. Pilate knows that Jesus is innocent. He even knows that Jesus stands accused before him only because of the envy of the hypocritical scribes, Pharisees, and other religious leaders of the Jews. Be he tries to act as though it were not so! He tries to compromise with the truth. He seeks peace at the price of injustice. He finds only enduring wretchedness and anguish of the soul . PRAYER: My innocent Jesus, often, rather than offend men, I have forsaken You. And yet, in spite of this, You have taken upon Yourself the sentence of death that You might be restored to life. My God and my Savior! As long as I try to please men I am in danger of forsaking You. Give me the grace and the courage to be willing to displease men, even the entire world, rather than to offend You.

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Second Station Jesus receives his cross

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: When Jesus sees the Holy Cross, willingly, eagerly He embraces it. For those who give it to Him the Cross is an instrument of torture, but for Him it is an instrument of my salvation. It is by enduring the Cross that He is able at last, once and for all, to atone to His Heavenly Father for the sins of the centuries, for my sins. Therefore, He embraces it eagerly.

PRAYER: O Jesus, by bearing Your Cross You atoned for my sins and gained the graces necessary for my salvation. And it is by bearing my cross after You that I can best make sure that the sacrifices You made for me were not in vain. Whatever little worry, or trouble, or trial, or responsibility You will send me, I shall bear each generously for love of You, Who bore Your Cross so generously for love of me.

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Have mercy on us. And have mercy on the little ones who this very day must receive the cross of rejection and pain in the secrecy of their own mothers womb.

Have mercy on them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Third Station Jesus falls the first time

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL REFLECTION: Although weakened by the loss of blood and broken hearted because of my infidelities, Jesus strains to bear the heavy weight of my sins. But they are too much for Him! With His unaided human strength, and unaided human strength is all He permits Himself to use, He is simply unable to bear up under the oppressive burden. He stumbles and falls. But, impelled by love for me, He strains to rise again and carry on. However much I deserve to be forsaken, He will not forsake me.

PRAYER: My Jesus, if ever I should have the misfortune of falling into sin again, I shall take courage from Your example. I promise, with the help of Your grace to rise again and to follow faithfully Your footsteps, even if they do lead to Calvary.

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Have mercy on us. And have mercy on mothers who, overcome with confusion and anxiety, have caved in to the temptation to try to solve their problems by secretly destroying their own baby, that they may have the grace of conversion and repentance, and reverse their decision.

Have mercy on them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Fourth Station Jesus meets his blessed mother

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: Imagine Mary, Mother of Sorrows, meeting her beloved Son carrying the Cross. Think of the deep sorrow that fills her heart. She wished to die either for Jesus or together with Him. But her cross was to live! It was by sharing so intimately in the Passion of her Divine Son that she brought me forth into supernatural life and merited to be called my mother. As a worthy child of so glorious a Mother, I must strive in her great and intense sorrow that I might

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL not only console her, but also by suffering with her, learn to hate sin which caused her such great anguish.

PRAYER: O Mary, my Mother, by the merits of your intense grief, obtain for me the great grace of realizing that God chastises those He loves. Following your graceful example, let me be reconciled to the fact that suffering and sorrow and the cross must be my lot in this valley of tears. In your motherly solicitude, strengthen me that I might bear my cross well, as He would have me.

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Have mercy on us.

And have mercy on all pregnant mothers who are overwhelmed by anxieties over their pregnancy; may they, through the example and prayers of our Blessed Mother, have the grace and courage to accept crucifixion with their baby rather than try to escape the cross by aborting their baby.

Have mercy on them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Fifth Station Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: Simon of Cyrene is compelled to help Jesus carry the Cross. How he recoiled at the embarrassment of helping a condemned criminal! How he preferred, as I often prefer, to carry the cross of his own choice instead of the cross Jesus would have him bear. Let me be ashamed that, like Simon, I so frequently carry the cross only on compulsion, that I so reluctantly help Jesus bear the heavy burden of atonement for sins.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL PRAYER: My Jesus, whoever does not carry the Cross and follow You is not worthy of You. I will help You carry the Cross; I will be Your companion. Do help me realize, as St. Paul realized, the great privilege I have in being able to make up in my body what is lacking in Your sufferings for the salvation of souls, that I am able, by carrying the Cross with You, to share in Your work of saving souls.

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Have mercy on us.

And have mercy on all pregnant mothers who are overwhelmed by anxieties over their pregnancy; maythey, through the example and prayers of our Blessed Mother, have the grace and courage to accept crucifixion with their baby rather than try to escape the cross by aborting their baby.

Have mercy on them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Sixth Station Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: Veronica, out of devotion and compassion for Jesus, approaches Him and wipes His blood-stained countenance with a cloth. Brave woman! Long ago she had learned the vanity of human praise and emptiness of human contempt. Scorning the jeering multitude, she befriends the friendless Jesus and offers Him her comfort and sympathy. Jesus imprints on her veil the image of His Holy Face. A little service brings a great reward. God will not be outdone in generosity.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL PRAYER: O Jesus, grant me the courage to befriend You in the company of the scornful. Let me learn from those who ridiculed and condemned You the insignificance of human contempt. Give me the courage to stand alone, if need be, in witness to what is true and in defence of what is right. Let me fear only Your adverse judgment. Behold I offer You my heart; seal it as Your very own. Imprint upon it the image of Your countenance, and may that image never be effaced there from.

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Have mercy on us.

And have mercy on the many women who, dreading the loss of reputation their pregnancy brings, are tempted to avoid the embarrassment by aborting their babies. May they valiantly resist the temptation and refuse to mar the image of God they bear in their womb.

Have mercy on them . May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Seventh Station Jesus falls the second time

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: Again, weakened by suffering and overcome by fatigue, Jesus falls. Though utterly exhausted, He will not give up. He will not surrender to death until atonement is made and my salvation is accomplished.

PRAYER: O Jesus, help me bear with perseverance and ever greater generosity the cross of fidelity to Your commandments and of docility to Your inspirations.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL But if I should ever again have the misfortune of sinning, let me, encouraged by the example of Your zeal to atone, have the honesty to acknowledge my guilt, the humility to confess my failure, the courage to atone for my sin, and the strength to rise again.

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Have mercy on us.

And have mercy on all those guilty of second abortion, that they might not only come to an acute realization of the awfulness of their sin but also to a firm conviction of the infinite mercy of God and of His love for the repentant sinner.

Have mercy on them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Eighth Station Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: The pious women of Jerusalem weep for our suffering Savior. He turns to them and says, Weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. Compassion is good and we should compassionate Our Lord, but He wishes us to understand that it is better to be sorry for our sins. He also wants us to realize that we, too, might be asked to bear such sufferings as His. We must beprepared for it. PRAYER: O Jesus, grant me, like the women of Jerusalem, a compassionate heart, a heart ever sensitive to the sufferings of others and ever eager to help them in their trials. Grant me especially a heart acutely sensitive to the malice of sin. But also, dear Lord, help me to realize that I, like You, may be required to bear my cross down the gauntlet of ridicule and scorn. Please strengthen me for any trials You have in store for me.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Have mercy on us. And have mercy on all lonely mothers who having been deceived into aborting their baby are now abandoned to bear alone the burden of a tortured conscience, may they realize that in spite of their sin they are still objects of Gods overwhelming and merciful love. With tears of repentance may they quickly return to their Fathers loving embrace.

Have mercy on them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Ninth Station Jesus falls the Third time

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by you Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: As Jesus approaches Calvary, He falls again, the third time. I must realize how very real was the suffering, the heartache, the fatigue of my beloved Savior; and therefore, how great and how genuine was His love for me in bearing the Cross. From this third fall I must realize especially that, regardless of how many times I fall, I must acknowledge my failure, repent of my fault, and rise again.

PRAYER: O Jesus, grant me the grace of immunity from despair. Imprint indelibly on my soul the realization of Your great love for me and of Your infinite patience and forgiveness. Instill in me a firm determination never to allow unrepented sins to keep me from you.Make me firm in my resolve ever to be honest in admitting my guilt; make me ever ready to endure any embarrassment, to tolerate any consequences, rather than rail to confess and atone for my sins.

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Have mercy on us.

And have mercy on the professional abortionists, the mothers who have had multiple abortions, the abortionists and their assistants. With a keen realization of the awfulness of their sin, may they, with sincere repentance, strive to atone for their sin by helping others avoid the trap they have fallen into.

Have mercy on them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Tenth Station Jesus is stripped of his garments

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: Behold our Blessed Savior as He is stripped of His garments. Even in His Sacred Passion He teaches me detachment from things of this world. He divests Himself of the last vestiges of the things of this world, His own garments. He reminds me that in my final agony I must relinquish all, that nothing on earth can serve as mysupport. Riches, honors, reputation, are of no avail. Even friends must pass me by, helpless to come to my aid. I must, therefore, seek above all, the kingdom of God and His friendship. With these I am rich and secure; with anything else, I am poor and wretched.

PRAYER: O Jesus, let me, like You, be detached from the things of this world. Help me to realize that things of this earth can never bring me final happiness, nor ever support me in my critical trials. Grant me the grace to see that attachment of things that cannot bring happiness is not wisdom, that dependence on things that cannot save is folly. Grant me the grace of being poor in spirit; that I might have one consuming ambition: to amass merit in Heaven; and that I might have one consuming passion to do always Your Holy Will.

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Have mercy on us.

And have mercy on those who are at this hour being prepared for an abortion. With a keen awareness of the sin they are about to commit, may they, even at this last moment, have the grace and courage to reverse their decision, and spare their child.

Have mercy on them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Eleventh Station Jesus is nailed to the cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: Contemplate our Divine Savior as He suffers the pain of being nailed to the cross. By His anguish He atones for our sins of sensuality. Hear the dull thud of the hammer. Feel the piercing pain as each blow strikes. How intolerable is the aching agony that follows as each hand and each foot is fastened to the Cross. Reflect on the fact that this is my Savior; and that He endures all this for my sins of selfindulgence. By His anguish He atones for my repeated folly of seeking happiness where it cannot be found, in forbidden pleasures of sense.

PRAYER: O Jesus, my Savior, by the merits You gained for me by Your Sacred Passion, grant me an abiding realization that genuine happiness does not consist in pleasures of the senses. Make me vigilant in guarding against the approaches of sin, whether its attraction springs from the lure of passion or a deceit of Satan. Make me prompt and generous in my determination to resist all temptations.

Have mercy on us, O Lord. Have mercy on us.

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And have mercy on the little ones who, this day, are being nailed to their cross of pain in their mothers womb. Some way, in Gods Divine Providence, may their pain, united with that of Christ, effect not only their own redemption, but gain the grace of repentance for those who inflict this pain upon them.

Have mercy on them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Twelfth Station Jesus dies on the cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: Contemplate our Divine Savior as He hangs for three agonizing hours upon the Cross. This is He in whom the Father is well pleased. And yet how abandoned, how forsaken is He. He is paying the price of sin, rejection by God. His whole body is racked with pain. His sacred features are distorted with anguish. He is overwhelmed with weakness. His Sacred Heart is utterly broken with grief. With His own unaided human powers, He forces Himself to bear the agony of approaching death, and this without consolation, with nothing but loneliness as His companion. Finally, obedient unto death, when His Heavenly Father would have Him do so, He dismisses His weary Soul. He dies that I might have life.

PRAYER: O most Sacred Heart of Jesus, wounded that I might be healed, even today You still make of Yourself a victim of Love upon our altars. What do You desire and what do You seek but victims to continue in them Your sacrifice? Through the Immaculate Heart of Mary and in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, accept my sacrifices in atonement for sin and for the salvation of souls.

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Have mercy on us.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL And have mercy on all those mothers, fathers, abortionists and staff who have committed abortions. Maythey all have the honesty and the integrity to admit the awfulness of their sin, the grace to repent, and the determination to atone by helping others avoid the fatal folly they have been made guilty.

Have mercy on them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Thirteenth Station Jesus is taken down from the Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: Only after He is dead does our Divine Savior condescend to come down from the cross. He wished to give me an example and to teach me a lesson. Although desolation still envelopes the land, although failure seems to fill the air, His life has been a tremendous success. Things are not what they seem. With God, failures are often successes; and successes, failures. The folly of fidelity to God is the highest wisdom. His Passion is over; mine is yet to be endured. He wants me to realize that although God may at times appear to abandon me, He does not. Although my cross may at times seem unbearable, it is not.

Although all may at times seem to be lost, the victory is really won. He won it. My only possible failure is to fail to persevere in bearing my cross as He would have me bear it.

PRAYER: O Holy Mary, Mother of God and my Mother, teach me to follow your example of fidelity and fortitude. As you mothered me, giving me life, as you have so solicitously cared for me throughout all the days of my life, do now in your motherly solicitude continue to care for me. Teach me to bear my cross generously as a child of yours should; and do comfort and strengthen me in the hours of my greatest trials, especially at the hour of my death.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Have mercy on us.

And have mercy on all those who, guilty of the sin of abortion, are tempted to despair of ever being forgiven. May they come to a keen realization that the atonement of the crucified Son of God is so great that ONLY their refusal to confess their sin and repent their fault can render them unqualified for their Saviors loving embrace.

Have mercy on them.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Fourteenth Station Jesus is laid in the sepulcher We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You; Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

REFLECTION: Contemplate our Divine Savior as He is laid in the sepulcher. How proper it was that He should have so suffered and thus should have entered into His glory. And how proper it is, if I am to reign with Him, that I too should follow His bloody footsteps, that my entire life should be a life of atonement for sin and pleas for grace, that I should make up in my body for sufferings that are wanting to His for the salvation of souls!

PRAYER: O Christ Jesus, I acknowledge You King of the Universe. All that has been created has been made for You. Exercise upon me all Your rights. I renew my baptismal promises renouncing Satan and all his works and pomps. I promise to live a good Christian life and to do all in my power to procure the triumph of the rights of God and Your church. Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer You my poor actions in order to obtain that all hearts may acknowledge Your Sacred Royalty and that thus the reign of Your peace may be established throughout the universe. Amen.

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Have mercy on us, O Lord. Have mercy on us.

And have mercy on all those supporting the abortion industry; the abortionists, politicians, lawyers, journalists, and ordinary citizens, that they might have the grace to realize the awfulness of the sin they promote, repent their fault, and do what they can to stop abortion, in our country and in the whole world.

Have mercy on them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Closing Prayer Look down with favor, O Lord, we beseech You, on this, Your assembly, for which Our Lord Jesus Christ did not hesitate to be delivered into the hands of wicked men and suffer the torment of the cross; Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

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Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe to End Abortion


Rosary Crusade Under the Banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe For the Defeat of Abortion. O Blessed Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Mercy, unworthy though we are, we beseech you to hear our prayers of mercy for and end of all abortion throughout the world and especially in UK in accordance with Gods Will. Beloved Queen and Mother, bring to all true peace which comes from your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Meditations for Pro-Life Stations of the Cross

The First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Death Though innocent, Jesus is condemned by the power of the State. In like manner, our innocent brothers and sisters in the womb have been condemned. Their rights and dignity are not recognized. In this, they bear a special likeness to Jesus.

The Second Station: Jesus is Made to Bear His Cross The salvation of the world carried a heavy price for our Lord, the agony of the cross. As He accepts His cross, let us also resolve to endure suffering that others may live. Let us pay the price for standing up for our preborn brothers and sisters.

The Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time Almighty God was weak because He chose to be like us. He had power and glory from all eternity, yet He chose to be immersed in the world of suffering. We pray that the benefits and advantages we have in life may not cause us to forget our preborn brothers and sisters.

The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother There is no deeper relationship than that of mother and child. They belong together. When one suffers, the other suffers. To love and defend one means to love and defend the other. To be prolife means to serve both the child and the mother. It means to ask our society, Why cant we love them both?

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL The Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus Carry His Cross Many watched the Lord suffer. Simon the Cyrenian helped alleviate that suffering. Many lament abortion. Some actually get involved to help to stop it. We pray that all people may take their active place in the pro-life movement.

The Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus The compassion Veronica shows reflects the compassion of so many medical doctors and norses, who treat their patients with dignity. We pray for repentance and renewal in the medical profession. May the tools and skills meant for the healing nevermore be used for killing.

The Seventh Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time In working to defend life, there are many setbacks and obstacles. Yet we know the meaning of the cross. In weakness, power reaches perfection. We do not look to our own strengths and talents alone, but to Christ. His own strength will sustain us.

The Eighth Station: The Women of Jerusalem mourn for our Lord Christ told these women to weep for themselves and for their children. He does not want false worship, but repentance. He does not want followers who cry out to Him but then ignore injustice and bloodshed. May all who believe in Christ likewise stand up for the defenseless children.

The Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time Despite the falls, nothing can stop our Lord, because He is on a mission of love. If the pro-life movement is not a movement of love, it is nothing at all; but if it is a movement of love, then nothing will stop it. Love is stronger than death, more powerful than hell.

The Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments Nobody can stop us from loving our preborn brothers and sisters. Those who are stronger than we are may strip us of popularity, possessions, or power, but they cannot strip us of love. We love others with the same love that Christ showed for us. The Eleventh Station: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross The powers of this world crucified the God who made this world. All power and authority come from God. All who exercise power have to account for it before the throne of God. We pray that those in government may use their powers to protect the innocent babies in the womb.

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The Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross Our Lord died. So many of His children have died with Him. His passion is re-lived with every abortion, one every twenty seconds in our country. We only know a fraction of the horror of this act in the sight of God. We only know a fraction of the horror of Christ's crucifixion. May all our brothers and sisters killed by abortion rest in Christ's peace and be saved by His cross.

The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross Mary experienced the pain of holding her dead Son. So many mothers grieve after their abortions. We ask that Mary may comfort them, help them face the truth about abortion, and lead them to forgiveness and healing.

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb A tomb is a memorial. It helps us remember the one who can no longer speak. May we and our society remember the babies who cannot speak. May we also remember Our Lord's Resurrection, and His promise of eternal life. He has conquered abortion because He has conquered death. May we bring His victory to every part of our world!

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Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus


The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, graciously hear us. God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. God, the Son, Redeemer of the World, have mercy on us. God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, formed in the womb of the Virgin Mother by the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, united substantially with the word of God, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Divinity, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is well pleased, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills, have mercy on us.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Heart of Jesus, patient and rich in mercy, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, rich to all who invoke Thee, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, saturated with revilings, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, crushed for our iniquities, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, made obedient unto death, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who hope in Thee, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee, have mercy on us. Heart of Jesus, delight of all saints, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord, Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. V. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart. R. Make our hearts like unto Thine.

Let us pray Almighty and everlasting God, look upon the Heart of Thy well-beloved Son and upon the acts of praise and satisfaction which He renders unto Thee in the name of sinners; and do Thou, in Thy great goodness, grant pardon to them who seek Thy mercy, in the name of the same Son, Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, world without end. Amen.

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Prayer for the Family -Pope John Paul II

Lord God, from you every family in Heaven and on earth takes its name. Father, you are love and life. Through your Son, Jesus Christ, born of woman, and through the Holy Spirit, fountain of Divine Charity, grant that each family on earth may become for each successive generation a true shrine of life and love. Grant that your grace may guide the thoughts and actions of husbands and wives for the good of their families and of all the families in the world. Grant that the young may find in the family solid support for their human dignity and for their growth in truth and love. Grant that love, strengthened by the grace of the sacrament of marriage, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. Grant that all the families may be faithful to their day-to-day duties, to bear the cares and tribulations of life, to be open and generous to the needs of others, and fulfill with joy the plan of God in their regard. Through the intercession of the Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that the Church may fruitfully carry out her worldwide mission in the family and through the family. May each family really become a "little Church" in which the mystery of the Church of Christ is mirrored and given new life. Grant that every family may generously make its own contribution to the coming of His Kingdom in the world -- a kingdom of truth and life; a kingdom of holiness and grace, a kingdom of justice, love and peace, Through Christ our Lord who is the Way, the Truth and the Life for ever and ever. Amen

A Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe


Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mystical Rose, make intercession for holy Church, protect the sovereign Pontiff, help all those who invoke you in their necessities, and since you are the ever Virgin Mary and Mother of the true God, obtain for us from your most holy Son the grace of keeping our faith, of sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life of burning charity, and the precious gift of final perseverance. Amen.

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Pope Benedict XVIs Prayer for the Unborn


Lord Jesus, You who faithfully visit and fulfill with your Presence the Church and the history of men; You who in the miraculous Sacrament of your Body and Blood render us participants in divine Life and allow us a foretaste of the joy of eternal Life; We adore and bless you. Prostrated before You, source and lover of Life, truly present and alive among us, we beg you. Reawaken in us respect for every unborn life, make us capable of seeing in the fruit of the maternal womb the miraculous work of the Creator, open our hearts to generously welcoming every child that comes into life. Bless all families, sanctify the union of spouses, render fruitful their love. Accompany the choices of legislative assemblies with the light of your Spirit,so that peoples and nations may recognize and respect the sacred nature of life, of every human life. Guide the work of scientists and doctors, so that all progress contributes to the integral wellbeing of the person, and no one endures suppression or injustice. Give creative charity to administrators and economists, so they may realize and promote sufficient conditions so that young families can serenely embrace the birth of new children. Console the married couples who suffer because they are unable to have children and in Your goodness provide for them. Teach us all to care for orphaned or abandoned children, so they may experience the warmth of your Charity, the consolation of your divine Heart. Together with Mary, Your Mother, the great believer, in whose womb you took on our human nature, we wait to receive from You, our Only True God and Savior, the strength to love and serve life, in anticipation of living forever in You, in communion with the Blessed Trinity.

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Catholic Prayers to the Saints.

Prayer for help against spiritual enemies


Glorious Saint Michael, Prince of the heavenly hosts, who stands always ready to give assistance to the people of God; who fought with the dragon, the old serpent, and cast him out of heaven, and now valiantly defends the Church of God that the gates of hell may never prevail against her, I earnestly entreat you to assist me also, in the painful and dangerous conflict which I sustain against the same formidable foe.

Be with me, O mighty Prince! that I may courageously fight and vanquish that proud spirit, whom you, by the Divine Power, gloriously overthrew, and whom our powerful King, Jesus Christ, has, in our nature, completely overcome; so having triumphed over the enemy of my salvation, I may with you and the holy angels, praise the clemency of God who, having refused mercy to the rebellious angels after their fall, has granted repentance and forgiveness to fallen man. Amen.

Memorare to St Joseph

Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.

Act of Consecration to St. Joseph

O dearest St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to your honor and give myself to you, that you may always be my father, my protector and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me a greater purity of heart and fervent love of the interior life. After your example may I do all my actions for the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. O Blessed St. Joseph, pray for me, that I may share in the peace and joy of your holy death. Amen.

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Prayer to St Mary Magdalene


Saint Mary Magdalene, woman of many sins, who by conversion became the beloved of Jesus, thank you for your witness that Jesus forgives through the miracle of love. You, who already possess eternal happiness in His glorious presence, please intercede for me, so that some day I may share in the same everlasting joy. Amen.

St Pio Prayer for Trust and Confidence


O Lord, we ask for a boundless confidence and trust in Your divine mercy, and the courage to accept the crosses and sufferings which bring immense goodness to our souls and that of Your Church.

Help us to love You with a pure and contrite heart, and to humble ourselves beneath Your cross, as we climb the mountain of holiness, carrying our cross that leads to heavenly glory.

May we receive You with great faith and love in Holy Communion, and allow You to act in us, as You desire, for Your greater glory.

O Jesus, most adorable heart and eternal fountain of Divine Love, may our prayer find favor before the Divine Majesty of Your Heavenly Father. Amen.

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St Ignatius Prayer against Depression


O Christ Jesus When all is darkness And we feel our weakness and helplessness, Give us the sense of Your Presence, Your Love and Your Strength. Help us to have perfect trust In Your protecting love And strengthening power, So that nothing may frighten or worry us, For, living close to You, We shall see Your Hand, Your Purpose, Your Will through all things.

Prayer of St Teresa of Avila

Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.

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A Morning Prayer Written by St Therese

O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to Its infinite merits; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them into the furnace of Its Merciful Love. O my God! I ask of Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfill perfectly Thy Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in heaven for all Eternity. Amen.

Prayer to St Therese

O little St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, who during your short life on earth became a mirror of angelic purity, of love strong as death, and of wholehearted abandonment to God, now that you rejoice in the reward of your virtues, cast a glance of pity on me as I leave all things in your hands. Make my troubles your own - speak a word for me to our Lady Immaculate, whose flower of special love you were - to that Queen of heaven "who smiled on you at the dawn of life." Beg her as the Queen of the heart of Jesus to obtain for me by her powerful intercession, the grace I yearn for so ardently at this moment, and that she join with it a blessing that may strengthen me during life. Defend me at the hour of death, and lead me straight on to a happy eternity. Amen

Prayer of St Francis of Assisi


O God, who, through the merits of blessed Francis, didst give increase to Thy Church, by enriching her with new offspring: grant us, that following his example we may despise earthly goods and ever rejoice in partaking of Thy heavenly gifts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Who lives and reigns with You and Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord, make me a channel of thy peace, that where there is hatred, I may bring love; that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness; that where there is discord, I may bring harmony; that where there is error, I may bring truth; that where there is doubt, I may bring faith; that where there is despair, I may bring hope; that where there are shadows, I may bring light; that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted; to understand, than to be understood; to love, than to be loved. For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven. It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life.

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Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Prayer for Courage to be Great


Heavenly Father, Give me the courage to strive for the highest goals, to flee every temptation to be mediocre. Enable me to aspire to greatness, as Pier Giorgio did, and to open my heart with joy to Your call to holiness. Free me from the fear of failure. I want to be, Lord, firmly and forever united to You. Grant me the graces I ask You through Pier Giorgio's intercession, by the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer to St Maria Goretti


St Maria Goretti, Strengthened by Gods grace, You did not hesitate, Even at the age of eleven, To shed your blood To sacrifice life itself To defend your virginal purity. Obtain for me From God a great horror of sin, Deign to look graciously On the unhappy human race, Which has strayed far From the path of eternal salvation. So that, keeping my soul undefiled, I may live a holy life on earth And win eternal glory in heaven. Amen. Teach us all, And especially the youth, With the courage and promptness We should flee anything That could offend Jesus.

St Maria Goretti, Patroness of the Youth and victims of rape, pray for us.

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Litany of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla


Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us Response: Have mercy on us God the Father in Heaven. God the Son, Redeemer of the world. God the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, one God.

Response: Pray for us Holy Mary. St. Michael the Archangel. St. Joseph. St. Gianna, filled with love for God. St. Gianna, filled with love for children. St. Gianna, filled with love for Our Lady and her Rosary. St. Gianna, filled with love for the Most Blessed Sacrament. St. Gianna, who sought the will of God in all things. St. Gianna, generous with those in need. St. Gianna, devoted to prayer. St. Gianna, willing to lay down your life for the sake of the gospel. St. Gianna, patient in suffering. St. Gianna, united to Jesus on the Cross.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL St. Gianna, called to the vocation of marriage. St. Gianna, who welcomed children as a blessing. St. Gianna, physician to the ill. St. Gianna, faithful daughter of the church. St. Gianna, witness to the sanctity of human life. Response: Deliver us Lord through the intercession of St. Gianna From neglecting God through prayer. From refusing to se God in the sick and poor. From callousness to the sufferings of others. From selfishness. From a lack of trust in Gods providence. From blindness to the dignity of the human person. From denial that human life begins at conception. Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Let us pray.Lord of life, we thank You for the heroic witness of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla. You have taught us that there is no greater love than to lay down ones life for others. Saint Gianna did this, not only as she gave birth to her last child, but also in her everyday life as she died to herself so that she could live wholly for You. What selflessness we see in her! Help us, we pray, that through the intercession of Saint Gianna, our society may regain a sense of the sacredness of all human life. Fill us with her spirit of courage to suffer any struggle rather than deny You and the sanctity of human life. We ask You this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

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Prayer to St Maria Goretti


Oh Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God's grace, did not hesitate even at the age of twelve to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity, look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation. Teach us all, and especially youth,with what courage and promptitude we should flee for the love of Jesus anything that could offend Him or stain our souls with sin. Obtain for us from our Lord victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we earnestly beg of thee (here insert intention), and may we one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of Heaven. Amen.

The Saint Bridget Prayers

The 21 Promises of the St. Bridget Prayers For a long time, St. Bridget wanted to know the number of wounds Our Lord received during His Passion. He one day appeared to her and said, I received 5480 blows on My Body. If you wish to honor them in some way, say 15 Our Fathers and 15 Hail Marys with the following Prayers (which He taught her) for a whole year. When the year is up, you will have honored each one of My Wounds.

Our Lord made the following promises to anyone who recited the 15 St. Bridget Prayers for a whole year: 1: I will deliver 15 souls of his lineage from Purgatory. 2: 15 souls of his lineage will be confirmed and preserved in Grace. 3: 15 sinners of his lineage will be converted. 4: Whoever recites these Prayers will attain the first degree of perfection. 5: 15 days before his death, I will give him My Precious Body in order that he may escape eternal starvation; I will give him My Precious Blood to drink lest he thirst eternally. 6: 15 days before his death he will feel a deep contrition for all his sins and will have a perfect knowledge of them. 7: I will place before him the Sign of My Victorious Cross for his help and defense against the attack of his enemies. 8: Before his death, I shall come with My Dearest Beloved Mother.

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL 9: I shall graciously receive his soul and will lead it into Eternal Joys. 10: And having led it there I shall give him a special draught from the Fountain of My Deity, something I will not do for those who have not recited My Prayers. 11: Let it be known that whoever may have been living in a state of mortal sin for 30 years, but who will recite devoutly, or have the intention to recite these Prayers, The Lord will forgive him all his sins. 12: I shall protect him from strong temptations. 13: I shall preserve and guard his 5 senses. 14: I shall preserve him from a sudden death. 15: His soul will be delivered from eternal death. 16: He will obtain all he asks for from God and the Blessed Virgin. 17: If he has lived all his life doing his own will and he is to die the next day, his life will be prolonged. 18: Every time one recites these Prayers he gains 100 days indulgence. 19: He is assured of being joined to the Supreme Choir of Angels. 20: Whoever teaches these Prayers to another will have continuous joy and merit which will endure eternally. 21: Where these Prayers are being said or will be said in the future, God is present with His Grace.

First Prayer One Our Father......One Hail Mary. O Jesus Christ! Eternal Sweetness to those who love Thee. Joy surpassing all joy and all desire. Salvation and Hope of all sinners. Who hast proved that Thou hast no greater desire than to be among men, even assuming human nature at the fullness of time for the love of men, recall all the sufferings Thou hast endured from the instant of Thy Conception and especially during Thy Passion, as it was decreed and ordained from all Eternity in the Divine Plan. Remember, O Lord, that during the Last Supper with Thy disciples, having washed their feet, Thou gavest them Thy Most Precious Body and Blood and while at the same time Thou didst sweetly console them, Thou didst foretell them Thy coming Passion.Remember

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL the sadness and bitterness which Thou didst experience in Thy Soul as Thou Thyself bore witness saying, My soul is sorrowful even unto death. Remember the fear, anguish and pain that Thou didst suffer in Thy Delicate Body before the torment of the Crucifixion, when,after having prayed three times, bathed in a sweat of blood. Thou was betrayed by Judas, Thy disciple. Arrested by the people of a nation Thou had chosen and elevated. Accused by false witnesses. Unjustly judged by three judges during the Flower of Thy Youth and during the Solemn Paschal Season. Remember that Thou was despoiled of Thy Garments and clothed in those of derision. That Thy Face and Eyes were veiled. That Thou was buffeted, crowned with thorns and a reed placed in Thy Hands. That Thou was crushed with blows and overwhelmed with affronts and outrages. In memory of all these pains and sufferings which Thou didst endure before Thy Passion on the Cross, grant me before my death, true contrition, a sincere and entire confession worthy satisfaction and the remission of all my sins. Amen.

Second Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! True Liberty of Angels, Paradise of Delights, remember the horror and sadness which Thou didst endure when Thy enemies, like furious lions, surrounded Thee and by thousands of insults, spits, blows, lacerations and other unheard of cruelties, tormented Thee at will. In consideration of these torments and insulting words, I beseech Thee, O My Savior, to deliver me from all my enemies, visible and invisible and to bring me under Thy Protection to the perfection of Eternal Salvation. Amen.

Third Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! Creator of Heaven and earth. Whom nothing can encompass or limit. Thou who dost enfold and hold all under Thy Loving Power, remember the very bitter pain Thou didst suffer when the Jews nailed Thy Sacred Hands and Feet to the Cross by blow after blow with big blunt nails and not finding Thee in a pitiable enough state to satisfy their rage, they enlarged Thy Wounds and added pain to pain and with indescribable cruelty, stretched Thy Body on the Cross, pulled Thee from all sides thus dislocating Thy Limbs. I beg of Thee, O Jesus, by the memory of this most Loving Suffering of the Cross, to grant me the Grace to fear Thee and to love Thee. Amen.

Fourth Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! Heavenly Physician, raised aloft on the Cross to heal our wounds with Thine. Remember the bruises which Thou didst suffer and the weakness of all Thy Members which were distended to such a degree that never was there pain like unto Thine. From the Crown of Thy Head to the Souls of Thy Feet, there was not one spot on Thy Body that was not in torment and yet, forgetting all Thy Sufferings, Thou didst not cease to pray to Thy Heavenly Father for Thy enemies saying, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Through this Great Mercy and in memory of this suffering, grant that the remembrance of Thy Most Bitter Passion may effect in us, a perfect contrition and the remission of all our sins. Amen.

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Fifth Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! Mirror of Eternal Splendor, remember the sadness which Thou experienced when contemplating in the Light of Thy Divinity, the predestination of those who would be saved by the Merits of Thy Sacred Passion, Thou didst see at the same time, the great multitude of reprobates who would be damned for their sins and Thou didst complain bitterly of those hopeless lost and unfortunate sinners. Through this Abyss of Compassion and Pity, and especially through the Goodness which Thou displayed to the good thief when Thou didst say to him, This day, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise. I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, that at the hour of my death, Thou wilt show me Mercy. Amen.

Sixth Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus. Beloved and Most Desirable King, remember the grief Thou didst suffer, when naked and like a common criminal, Thou was fastened and raised on the Cross. When all Thy friends abandoned Thee, except Thy Beloved Mother, who remained close to Thee during Thy Agony and whom Thou didst entrust to Thy faithful disciple when Thou said to Mary, Woman, behold thy son! and to St. John, Son, behold thy Mother! I beg of Thee, O My Savior, by the sword of sorrow which pierced the soul of Thy Holy Mother, to have compassion on me in all my trials and tribulations, both corporal and spiritual, and to assist me in all my trials, and especially at the hour of my death. Amen

Seventh Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! Inexhaustible Fountain of Compassion. Who by a profound gesture of Love, said from the Cross, I thirst! Suffered from the thirst for the salvation of the human race. I beg of Thee, O My Savior, to inflame in our hearts the desire to tend toward perfection in all our acts and to extinguish in us the concupiscence of the flesh and the ardor of worldly desires. Amen.

Eighth Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! Sweetness of Hearts, Delight of The Spirit, by the bitterness of the vinegar and gall which Thou didst taste on the Cross for Love of us, grant us the grace to receive worthily, Thy Precious Body and Blood during our life and at the hour of our death, that They may serve as a remedy and consolation for our souls. Amen.

Ninth Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! Royal Virtue, Joy of the Mind, recall the pain Thou didst endure when, plunged in an ocean of bitterness at the approach of death, insulted, outraged bythe Jews, Thou didst cry out in a loud voice that Thou was abandoned by Thy Father, saying, My God, My

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? Through this anguish, I beg of Thee, O My Savior, not to abandon me in the terrors and pains of my death. Amen.

Tenth Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! Who art the beginning and end of all things, life and virtue, remember that for our sakes, Thou was plunged in an abyss of suffering from the Soles of Thy Feet to the Crown of Thy Head. In consideration of the enormity of Thy Wounds, teach me to keep, through pure love, Thy Commandments, whose way is wide and easy for those who love Thee. Amen.

Eleventh Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! Deep Abyss of Mercy. I beg of Thee, in memory of Thy Wounds which penetrated to the very Marrow of Thy Bones and to the Depth of Thy Being, to draw me, a miserable sinner, overwhelmed by my offenses, away from sin and to hide me in Thy Wounds until Thy anger and just indignation shall have passed away. Amen.

Twelfth Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! Mirror of Truth, Symbol of Unity, Link of Charity, remember the multitude of wounds with which Thou was covered from head to foot, torn and reddened by the spilling of Thy Adorable Blood. O Great and Universal Pain which Thou didst suffer in Thy Virginal Flesh for the love of us! Sweetest Jesus! What is there that Thou couldst have done for us that Thou hast not done?! May the Fruit of Thy Sufferings be renewed in my soul by the faithful remembrance of Thy Passion, and may Thy Love increase in my heart each day until I see Thee in Eternity. Thou who art the treasury of every real good and every joy, which I beg Thee to grant me, O Sweetest Jesus, in Heaven. Amen.

Thirteenth Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! Strong Lion, Immortal and Invincible King, remember the pain which Thou didst endure when all Thy Strength both moral and physical, was entirely exhausted, Thou didst bow Thy Head saying, It is consummated! Through this anguish and grief, I beg of Thee Lord Jesus, to have mercy on me at the hour of my death when my mind will be greatly troubled and my soul will be in anguish. Amen.

Fourteenth Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! Only Son of the Father, Splendor and Figure of His Substance, remember the simple and humble recommendation Thou didst make of Thy Soul to Thy

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL Heavenly Father saying, Father, into Thy Hands, I commend My Spirit! And with Thy Body all torn, Thy Heart broken and the Bowels of Thy Mercy open to redeem us, Thou didst expire. By this Precious Death, I beg of Thee, O King of Saints, comfort me and help me to resist the devil, the flesh and the world, so that being dead to the world, I may live for Thee alone. I beg of Thee, at the hour of my death, to receive me, a pilgrim and an exile returning to Thee. Amen.

Fifteenth Prayer Our Father...Hail Mary. O Jesus! True and Fruitful Vine, remember the abundant outpouring of Blood which Thou didst so generously shed from Thy Sacred Body as juice from grapes in a wine press. From Thy Side, pierced with a lance by a soldier, Blood and Water issued forth until there was not left in Thy Body a single drop and finally, like a bundle of myrrh, lifted to the top of the Cross, Thy Delicate Flesh was destroyed, the very Substance of Thy Body withered and the Marrow of Thy Bones dried up. Through this bitter Passion and through the outpouring of Thy Precious Blood, I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, to receive my soul when I am in my death agony. Amen.

Conclusion O Sweet Jesus! Pierce my heart so that my tears of penitence will be my bread day and night.May I be converted entirely to Thee. May my heart be Thy perpetual habitation. May my conversation be pleasing to Thee and may the end of my life be so praiseworthy, that I may merit Heaven and there with Thy saints, praise Thee forever. Amen.

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Final reflections:

Leon Bloy The worst thing is not to commit crimes, but rather not to accomplish the good that one could have done. It is the sin of omission, which is nothing other than to be unloving, and no-one accuses himself of it

Mother Teresa "America needs no words from me to see how your decision in Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father's role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts -- a child -- as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience. It has nominally accorded mothers unfettered dominion over the independent lives of their physically dependent sons and daughters" And, in granting this unconscionable power, it has exposed many women to unjust and selfish demands from their husbands or other sexual partners. Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. The right to life does not depend, and must not be declared to be contingent, on the pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or a sovereign." (Mother Theresa -- "Notable and Quotable," Wall Street Journal, 2/25/94, p. A14)

"But I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child - a direct killing of the innocent child - murder by the mother herself. And if we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another? How do we persuade a woman not to have an abortion? As always, we must persuade her with love, and we remind ourselves that love means to be willing to give until it hurts. Jesus gave even his life to love us. So the mother who is thinking of abortion, should be helped to love - that is, to give until it hurts her plans, or her free time, to respect the life of her child. The father of that child, whoever he is, must also give until it hurts. By abortion, the mother does not learn to love, but kills even her own child to solve her problems. And by abortion, the father is told that he does not have to take any responsibility at all for the child he has brought into the world. That father is likely to put other women into the same trouble. So abortion just leads to more abortion. Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching the people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. That is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion. "

"Please don't kill the child. I want the child. Please give me the child. I am willing to accept any child who would be aborted, and to give that child to a married couple who will love the child, and be loved by the child. From our children's home in Calcutta alone, we have saved over 3,000

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40 DAYS FOR LIFE LONDON PRAYER VIGIL children from abortions. These children have brought such love and joy to their adopting parents, and have grown up so full of love and joy!"

February 1997 - National Prayer Breakfast in Washington attended by the President and the First Lady. "What is taking place in America," she said, "is a war against the child. And if we accept that the mother can kill her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another."

"Any country that accepts abortion, is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what it wants."

"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."

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