The Role of Prayer in Unplanned Pregnancy
“There are parts of our calling, works of the Holy Spirit, and defeats of the darkness that will come no other way than through furious, fervent, faith-filled, unceasing prayer.” As Beth Moore states, prayer is a powerful tool—one that can push back the darkness and make a difference in the world around us.
As a pro-life network of pregnancy resource centers, prayer plays an integral role in the day-to-day operations of the ministry. But what does this look like? And how can people partner in saving lives through pregnancy prayers?
Caring Network is a DuPage County non-profit that serves women facing unplanned pregnancy in our six local pregnancy resource centers. Here, women are met with practical services, emotional support, and spiritual counsel that impacts not only their lives, but the lives of their unborn children. Through the prayer support of individuals and churches in our community, we continue to see God move in powerful ways. To find out more about how to lift up the needs of Caring Network, reach out to us today!
Why Engage in Prayer?
As Christians we know the importance of prayer. God asks us to come before Him in prayer on a regular basis. James 5:13 tells us that no matter what the circumstance, prayer is the answer. “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” So, engaging in prayer is an important part of our lives as believers.
In addition, we understand that prayer changes things. Our actions and behaviors only take us so far. Prayer is an opportunity to come before the God of the universe, who has power over EVERYTHING. He can move in mighty ways that our own efforts utterly fail. “And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:15
So, how does prayer specifically apply to the work of pro-life pregnancy centers?
Prayer is vital to the work that is done in helping women facing unplanned pregnancies. Often, women are fearful, anxious, and overwhelmed. They may be facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles and trying life circumstances. Prayer takes on a few roles in a pregnancy center ministry:
- Praying for women and their unborn children
- Praying for staff members who are serving them
- Praying for the ministry as a whole
Praying for Women and the Unborn
By engaging in prayer for women and their unborn children, we have an opportunity to see God move powerfully in their lives. Through the years, we have seen minds and hearts changed (as well as impossible circumstances), all through the vehicle of prayer! Those whose minds were completely set on abortion miraculously chose life despite all odds. Women who did not expect the support of a partner or family member, found love and compassion when they shared their pregnancy news. These and so many other examples are the testaments to the work of prayer in spiritual and physical circumstances.
Praying for Pregnancy Center Staff
Prayer for staff members is vitally important as well. Pregnancy center staff are engaged in a spiritual battle. It’s important to lift them up for strength, peace, connection with clients, and words to share during appointments. Although it’s very rewarding at times, the frontline work can become wearying and stressful. Pray for your local pregnancy center staff as they continue in their life-saving work on a day-to-day basis.
Praying for the Ministry as a Whole
It’s also important to lift up your local pregnancy center ministry as a whole—the administrative staff, donor relations, communications and outreach, as well as the client services team. Each person at the organization plays an important role in fulfilling the mission and vision. And each staff member faces their own unique set of obstacles or opposition. This is a team effort and we need the whole body to complete this work.
These are just a few ways that prayer can play an integral role in an unplanned pregnancy. If you’d like to partner with Caring Network in prayer or financial giving, there are many opportunities to become involved. Call or email us for details on how to begin interceding for our staff and team today. We can’t do this vital, eternity-impacting work without you!
