Prayer Vigil for the Protection of Human Life
November 29, 2021
Text: Isaiah 9:2-7
***The following meditation was given on the steps of the US SCOTUS in the days leading up to oral arguments of Dobbs VS Jackson Women’s Health Organization***
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
As we have entered the season of Advent, we have entered a time when the Church’s posture is naturally turned toward prayer.
Throughout the Advent season, the darkness of night constantly progresses and increases as we all await our Savior’s arrival – His return.
The world likewise resides in this darkness we now experience. It is the darkness of sin, rebellion, and unbelief.
And yet, Isaiah wrote,
The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.
We who walk in darkness desire to see this light and have it shine upon us.
For this reason, we gather in prayer for the light to be upon us and those residing in the darkness of life with us.
You see, the darkness affects us all and is uniquely crafted for each of us - our unique struggles, temptations, and needs. The darkness is our restlessness, our rebellion toward God, our need for control, and our sin.
But, the light is outside of us. We cannot bring ourselves out of the darkness, but rather, we must be led by the light into day.
And so, we must look to whom Isaiah foretells as he writes,
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
What has been placed upon the shoulders of this child and only begotten Son of the Father is the cross and the sin of the world. In turn, what He now gives to us is His peace – His forgiveness.
As Jesus spoke, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
But ultimately, fear is what led us to this night some forty-seven years ago, on January 22, 1973.
That fear continues today in the minds and hearts of each person struggling with the life residing within their womb.
But, we come tonight to these steps of the Supreme Court of the United States of America in peace, and we come with prayer.
Truthfully, it would be easier to have stayed home this evening, but we cannot do that. We know from the Scriptures that we are responsible for praying for our leaders and everyone in need. The apostle Paul writes to Timothy, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”
For this reason and in this night of darkness, we gather to pray for those continuing to struggle with their past abortion, for those who continue contemplating the termination of an ongoing pregnancy, and for those who serve in the legislature, the courts, or any other leadership position throughout our land.
We pray for God’s Word to be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path. (Psalm 119:105)
We entrust these prayers to God our Father, trusting the Holy Spirit to work and transform the hearts of man through the Word and Gospel of Christ Jesus. A Word that announces and gives the forgiveness and life we all so desperately need. A word that leads us to the everlasting light of the Prince of Peace.
So, now let us keep our Advent, permit our prayers to ascend as incense, always trusting in the good and gracious will of our Heavenly Father. +INJ+
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Rev. Noah J. Rogness
Associate Pastor, Immanuel Evangelical-Lutheran Church
Alexandria, VA
