State March Picture and Prayer

 

Here's part of our LCMS group at the Virginia State March for Life this year. Where we were standing, and the space I had, I couldn't fit everyone it - lost some folks on the right. But you get the idea. Even though we had some last minute cancellations, we had a decent turnout. The goal is to keep growing our presence each year, little by little. We did that this year - hopefully next year, too!

I was asked to offer a couple of comments and the closing prayer at the pre-March rally. I had 3 minutes (and they were very strict with their time, to keep everything on schedule!). Here's what I said . . .

(Note: "Why We March: Life" was the theme for the National March for Life this year, and for all the state marches.)

Why We March: Life. For Every Life.

Because Every Life is valuable, precious, and important to God.

Created by our Father in His image,

Redeemed by the Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ,

for sanctification by the Spirit.

Every Life.

We March for . . .

. . . the mother and father who are scared, worried, confused, or regretful.

. . . the little boy or girl waiting to be born.

. . . the little boy or girl who didn’t get a big brother or a little big sister.

. . . the grandparents who just want to love on their grandchildren.

We March for . . . 

. . . our friends and neighbors

. . . for our family members

. . . for those who are hurting

. . . for those who feel trapped and that there is no way out

. . . for those who disagree with us.

We March for Every Life.

That every life be loved.

Every life be wanted.

Every life be cared for.

No matter who you are.

Every life.

And we will not stop until that’s true.

So we pray:

Dear Father in heaven, we thank You for the gift of life, every life, that You have created and redeemed to be Your own. Give us eyes to see every life as valuable and precious, and hearts to love every life as You do. Give us the courage both to speak and to have compassion. Protect all life, we pray, from the littlest to the biggest, the youngest to the oldest, the wanted and the unwanted. Thank You for all who have come here this day, and may our voices be heard and the hearts of many changed. Continue Your work in each of us, conform us to the image of Your Son, and strengthen our weak hands and feet and hearts to do Your will and walk in Your ways, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

And the Lord bless You and keep You;

the Lord make His face shine upon You and be gracious to You;

the Lord look upon You with favor, and give You peace.

AMEN