A Prayer Against Fear in a Pregnant Woman

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)

For You To Think About

Heavenly Father,

praying-handsI pray this day for [name of woman] who faces an unplanned pregnancy.

Her heart is filled with fear: fear of making the right decision, fear of her partner and family members and their reaction, fear of the unknown, fear of financial support, fear of parenting, fear of isolation, fear of her abilities to manage …

Reveal to her the truth: those fears do not come from you.

Assure her. Show her that you will never leave her nor forsake her (Deuteronomy 31:6). You will supply all her needs according to you riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

Equip her. Where fear may raise its ugly head once again, give her wisdom and your word to strike it down with the truth.

Show her your gift through Christ – that you have given her power to withstand the fear, love for her child, and a sound mind to carry this child to term.

In Jesus name I pray.

For You To Pray

Loving Father,

Thank you for the privilege of prayer. Reveal to [name of woman] that fear doesn’t come from you.  Help me to be steadfast in praying for her and others who face an unplanned pregnancy to make choices with a sound mind.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More Prayers for Women Who Face an Unplanned Pregnancy

Your Prayer to Pray for a Pregnant Woman’s Identity

Prayer of a Woman Who Didn’t Expect to Be Pregnant

A Pregnant Woman’s Prayer for Assurance

A Prayer for the Pro-Choice Community

 

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A Prayer to Pray for A Pregnant Women to Know Whose She Is

Posted on April 22, 2016 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. (Galatians 3:26, NIV)

For You To Think About

Heavenly Father,

young woman prayingI pray this day for [name of woman] who faces an unplanned pregnancy.

Let her know who she is: a child – your child.

If she does not have a saving relationship with you, I pray that she will.  Help her experience your grace and love. Use me or others in her life to point her towards you. Soften her heart to let her know that in Christ, she is new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), chosen by Him and blameless (Ephesians 1:4), and redeemed (Ephesians 1:7).

Remind her that she is not only a child of God, but she is also the mother of a child of God – regardless of the choice she makes. Allow her to know she can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13), including carrying her unborn child to term.

Let her have a strong identity, and let that identity be a child of the King.

In Jesus’ name.

For You To Pray

Loving Father,

Thank you for the privilege of prayer. Remind this woman Whose she is (your child) and who she is (the mother of a child of God). Help me to be steadfast in praying for her and others who face an unplanned pregnancy.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More Prayers for Women Who Face an Unplanned Pregnancy

Prayer of a Woman Who Didn’t Expect to Be Pregnant

A Pregnant Woman’s Prayer for Assurance

A Prayer for the Pro-Choice Community

 

 

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Women Helping Women

Posted on April 16, 2016 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

Ruth (said to Naomi), “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you.” (Ruth 1:16)

For You To Think About

In Ruth’s time and culture, once a woman married she became her husband’s property.  But now, Ruth’s husband died, as had her father-in-law and her husband’s brother.  With the family leaders gone, Ruth had little support.

helping handsNaomi, her mother-in-law, decided to move back to her homeland. The bond between the two women was strong. Ruth went with Naomi– away from her home, her family and to a foreign country.

Both women were penniless but leaned on each other.  Naomi shared her knowledge and understanding about the new land.  Ruth worked in the fields to earn a living for them both.

God blessed their relationship!  The women flourished in their new lives.  When Ruth remarried, Naomi remained with her as part of her new family.

What a beautiful picture of how God can work in the relationships of women in need.

Just as God matched Ruth and Naomi together, He places people in our path with whom we can share our lives and offer support.   He allows us to be His instrument of love and healing to those people – and they to us.

For You To Pray

Loving Father,

Bring me into relationship with women and families in need, especially those who face an unplanned pregnancy.  Allow me to share myself with them to give love, support and acceptance that reflect Your character.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More About Women Helping Women

Volunteer Friends Experience Healing While Helping

Serving Women with Gift Baskets of Healing

One-on-One Support Helps Women Choose Life

 

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Serving: There Is Strength In Numbers in the Fight for Life

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12, ESV)

For You To Think About

people putting hands together to show solidarityYou’ve heard it before: “There is strength in numbers.” In fact, scripture tells us that “a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy, respected member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council of leaders.

But Joseph secretly followed Jesus as Israel’s Messiah. Ramifications would be significant if other members of the council knew of Joseph’s convictions.

Even so, Joseph mustered his courage after the crucifixion and asked Pilate for Jesus’ body, Nicodemus came alongside him. Together, these two godly leaders wrapped the body with linens provided by Joseph and anointed it with spices provided by Nicodemus. They worked together to secure the tomb with the stone.

These two men pooled their spiritual, financial, and physical resources to minister to our Lord.

You don’t need to fight this fight alone. There is strength in numbers.

For You to Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the strength you provide in numbers. Point me to people who share my passion for life and for serving women who face an unplanned pregnancy. Help us to join forces.

In Jesus name. Amen.

 

More about Serving

Your Family May Be Just What a Pregnant Woman Needs

The Right Time and the Right Place May Be Right Now

Do You Have an Upper Room?

Small Acts of Service = Big Difference

 

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Serving: Your Family May Be Just What She Needs

Posted on April 4, 2016 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. (John 19:26-27, NLT)

For You To Think About

familyIn Bible times, women were considered property. Fathers provided for their daughters financially and gave them a home and family, and then transferred that responsibility to husbands (upon marriage) or other adult male relatives (upon death).

As an adult, Jesus provided for his mother Mary. Now on the cross, He continued to provide for her by designating the apostle John as Mary’s guardian.

John’s circumstances are believed to have been a bit better than the other disciples. He was an acquaintance of the high priest (John 18:15). His father Zebedee employed hired servants (Mark 1:20) and his mother Salome was a Christ-follower (Mark 15:40). Clearly Jesus sought to provide the loving support of a family to his mother during her grief and later years. By calling John to the task of adopted son, He bestowed on the apostle confidence and honor.

There are people in your life that you consider to be as close as “family” even if they are not related. Women who face an unplanned pregnancy are often all alone with no relatives, husband, or partner for support. Jesus may call on you to step in and “adopt” a woman into your family for a season. When that happens, consider it an honor!

For You to Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for providing for women who face an unplanned pregnancy. It is an honor to become family to others. If You need me to become “family” to a woman in need, I am willing. In Jesus name. Amen

 

More about Serving

The Right Time and the Right Place May Be Right Now

Do You Have an Upper Room?

Small Acts of Service = Big Difference

 

 

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Serving: The Right Time and Right Place May Be Right Now

Posted on March 26, 2016 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

They compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. (Mark 15:21, ESV)

For You To Think About

shadows of two friends on the beachIn Bible times, the faithful flocked to Jerusalem to commemorate Passover – God’s release of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery. The city was crowded.

Simon was a Jew from Cyrene, then a province of Libya, about 900 miles and a month’s journey from Jerusalem. He was away from what was comfortable and familiar, passing through the city (perhaps to celebrate the Passover feast, though we are not certain) when he was pressed into service. Roman soldiers compelled Simon to carry Jesus’ crossbeam through the streets – an estimated 75-125 pounds – because the Lord was too weak to do so.

Perhaps you identify with Simon. You may be at the right place at the right time to help someone … and you may be compelled to carry a load as you walk with that person, even if you didn’t plan to do so and even if it is just for a short time.

Today we recall Simon’s simple act of practical help as a gift to our Savior. He was at the right place at the right time.

What will you do when you are given an opportunity to serve a vulnerable woman in need?

The right time and the right place may be right now.

For You to Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Simon of Cyrene’s service, humility, and cooperation in serving our Lord. Show me how to serve even when it may be uncomfortable or unplanned.

In Jesus name. Amen.

 

More Devotionals for Passion Week and Eastertide

Do You Have an Upper Room?

At the Cross: Friends Stand With You in the Hardest Times

At Easter: Don’t Give Up. Jesus Didn’t.

At Easter: Jesus Honored and Valued Women

 

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Encourage Life: Do You Have an Upper Room?

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

Say to the owner of the house: ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the room where my disciples and I will eat the Passover meal? He will show you a large furnished room upstairs, where you will get everything ready. (Luke 22:11-12)

For You To Think About

welcome matIn Bible times, the faithful flocked to Jerusalem to commemorate Passover – God’s release of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery. The city was crowded.

So imagine the conversation the disciples had with Jesus when He gave them instructions to them for preparing the room for the Passover meal.

“So we get into town and look for a guy carrying a water jug.” Likely one of many.

“Then we follow him and slip into the building just before he shuts the door.” Breaking and entering?

“And the owner will be completely OK with allowing us to use his room for the holiday … a room that would have been in high demand.”

Yep. That’s because the unnamed homeowner called Jesus “Teacher.” He was a man who was willing to serve Jesus by providing Him and His disciples with a place for a meal.

The point is this: the homeowner was willing to use his space as the Master asked.

Are you?

For You to Pray

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the obedience of an unnamed man who opened his home to Jesus and His disciples for the Passover meal. Speak to me and to others. Show me if I am  to welcome the vulnerable into my space or help them find shelter.
In Jesus name, Amen.

More Devotionals at Easter

At the Cross: Friends Stand With You in the Hardest Times

At Easter: Don’t Give Up. Jesus Didn’t.

At Easter: Jesus Honored and Valued Women

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“Save Now!” God Honors the Prayers of Children

Posted on February 28, 2016 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

“Do you hear what these children are saying?” the Jewish leaders asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’?”
(Matthew 21:16)

For You To Think About

On the Sabbath prior to the Passover, children ran through Jerusalem’s streets, cheering as Jesus entered the city on the back of a donkey.

children praying form Compassion International

Image: Compassion

“Hosanna!” they shouted. It was a Hebrew expression that once meant “Save us!” but now was used as an exclamation of praise.

Jewish leaders challenged Jesus about the ruckus the children created in the temple area on that day we now call Palm Sunday. He simply responded, “From the lips of children and infants, God has ordained praise.”

God honors the worship of children. Their praise is pure. That’s one more reason to value the life of every single child God creates.

For You To Pray

Loving Father, thank You for creating every new life. Help me praise You with the same purity modeled by the children of Jerusalem. Amen.

More Prayers for Life

“Hosanna!” Two Prayers for Life in One

How Jesus Honored Women Who Praised Him

Jesus Doesn’t Judge the Prayers of Pregnant Women

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A Friend’s Love Is Loyal

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

 A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 17:17, TLB)

For You To Think About

friend shadowsA friend relationship is modeled on the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.  That’s why the Birthmothers ministry motto is derived from Proverbs 17:17: A Friend loves at all times™.

Loyalty is the quality that people demonstrate when they stand by you and support you, no matter what others may say.

A loyal friend may or may not understand your situation, but she does not abandon you.

Elizabeth was a loyal friend to Mary. She opened her home to Mary, her younger cousin, for an extended visit when Mary discovered she was pregnant outside of marriage. Others rejected Mary. Even Joseph, Mary’s fiancé, “resolved to put her away quietly.” But Elizabeth was steadfast.

It is this unwavering dependability that makes a friend’s love so valued … and in many cases makes the difference that provides the strength a pregnant woman needs. When asked what they needed in order to choose life, 83% pregnant women answered “someone to stand with me.”

For You to Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for using us to show Your love. Help me to be a loyal friend – one that a woman or man can count upon when facing an unplanned pregnancy. Amen.

 

More About Friends and Friendship

A Friend’s Love Shares Your Burden

A Friend’s Love Is Helpful

A Friend Loves at All Times – and Is Sent By God

 

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A Friend’s Love is Helpful

Posted on February 7, 2016 by Kathy Widenhouse

For You From The Word

A friend is always loyal  and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)

For You To Think About

friend in supermarketA friend relationship is modeled on the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.  That’s why the Birthmothers ministry motto is derived from Proverbs 17:17: A Friend loves at all times™.

Scripture describes the love of a friend as helpful.

This is a person who provides practical support. She is useful in assisting you with your physical needs and making things easier for you so that you can focus on taking care of yourself. A helpful friend gives practical support so that a woman or man can spend time and energy making good decisions for themselves and their baby during pregnancy. She is the person who offers to drive a pregnant woman to her doctor’s appointment, pick up groceries, or care for the pregnant woman’s toddler so she can rest.

God sends specific friends into our lives during adversity. In fact, being a helpful friend to a woman or man who faces an unplanned pregnancy may be part of your purpose and calling.

You may be “born to help in time of need” (Proverbs 17:17, NLT).

For You to Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for using us to show Your love. Help me demonstrate the love of a friend by providing practical help and support to a woman or man who faces an unplanned pregnancy. Amen.

 

More on Friends and Friendship

A Friend Loves at All Times – and Is Sent By God

Friends Encouraged This Woman to Choose Life Just in Time

Friends Stand With You in the Hardest Times

 

 

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