Prayer for those who have had an abortion

Lord Jesus, as September 18th marks the Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children, we bring to You, Your children who have been hit by the pain of the sin of abortion.

Lord, we plead Your forgiveness over families who are living – knowing that they took the lives of their innocent babies, gifted to them by God. Give Your strength to all fathers and mothers, that they may never give in to the fears that may tempt them to facilitate abortions.

Grant that all Your people may learn that human fulfilment is never found by pushing someone helpless and vulnerable out of the way, but only and always by pushing ourselves out of the way.

Father God, extend Your hand of protection to babies threatened by abortion right now and save them from its destructive power.

Lord Jesus, You were our Redeemer even in the womb, who while still God, while worshipped and adored by the angels, while Almighty and filling every part of the universe, dwelt for nine months in the womb of Mary.

Lord Jesus, we ask You to bless and protect the children who today are in their mothers’ womb. We know that the senses can fool us there as well. Some may not be attractive, others may seem too small, some may appear as less than human. Save them from the danger of abortion. Give their parents the grace to sacrifice themselves, in body and soul, for their children. Help all people to recognise in the pre-born child a brother, a sister, created by You, our Redeemer in the womb.

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.

We pray and know that the souls of these little ones are safe and loved by You in heaven. May the little ones who are coming, be safe.

Make the whole world pro-life, Lord Jesus.

We pray that You have mercy on our dear sisters and brothers who have killed a part of themselves – that they may finally forgive themselves. Strengthen our ability to recognise the dignity of every human life.

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.