Today in the United States is Respect Life Sunday. Every life is cherished and chosen by God. The psalmist speaks of God lovingly choosing us into being, “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works!” (Ps 139:13-14). When more than 50 million babies have been sacrificed on the altar of freedom of choice, it is increasingly important for Christian men and women, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers to help others encounter God’s transforming, life-giving love and to defend the sanctity of every person’s life, at every stage and in every circumstance.

“A great prayer of life is urgently needed, a prayer which will rise up throughout the world. Through special initiatives and in daily prayer, may an impassioned plea rise to God, the Creator and lover of life, from every Christian community, from every group and association, from every family and from the heart of every believer.” St. John Paul II, The Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae), n. 100.

Respect for Life Prayer

Heavenly Father, the beauty and dignity of human life was the crowning of your creation. You further ennobled that life when your Son became one with us in his incarnation. Help us to realize the sacredness of human life and to respect it from the moment of conception until the last moment at death. Give us courage to speak with truth, love and conviction in defense of life. Help us to extend the gentle hand of mercy and forgiveness to those who do not reverence your gift of life. To all, grant pardon for the times we have failed to be grateful for your precious gift of life or to respect it in others. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, in unity with the Holy Spirit. Amen.