Today is the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. A decision that came on the end of over a decade of intense upheaval in our nation as we battled over civil rights, the Vietnam War, and crooked politicians. It has been an ongoing symbol of division that in many ways was a capstone of a deeply divided era. And it has managed to keep us deeply divided.

It is a passionate subject no matter what. To bring it up here is a huge risk for me personally, since I really like to be liked.

But I have a pro-life ethic I am trying to build in my own life, so this is kind of the tap root of what people think of when I use those words “pro-life.” I choose that phrase carefully because I want people to realize what I am trying to develop is something more, but when we hear certain words or phrases, we stop hearing and start yelling. That’s precisely why I chose “pro-life ethic.” Because I want us to STOP doing that. We need to start hearing each other once again. We need to start thinking again. I have high hopes. There are days I think it’s more fantasy than hope, actually.

I still dream. I still hope. I still want to develop a Kingdom ethic that is not driven by political agendas of the day.

So, I remember Roe v. Wade today.

And I pray for those who never got the chance to see life. I pray for those unborn now who risk that possibility.

I pray for those who have been victims.

I pray for better adoption laws.

I pray for better teaching in our schools.

I pray for better care for humanity all the way around.

I pray against the culture of individualism that has given rise to incredibly selfish living and attitudes.

I pray for the Holy Spirit to pour through us in compassion to engage those who are hurting. I pray for those who face incredibly painful decisions concerning pregnancy.

I pray for the Church to be more prophetic and less political. More prophetic and less pathetic. We need the prophetic voice of the Kingdom rising up to cut through the mistake of taking “sides” in political parties and acting in a way that brings LIFE and BLESSING to our culture.

For the selfish, for the confused, for the abused, for the abandoned, I pray for grace and mercy.

Lord, hear my prayer.