In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed National Sanctity of Human Life Day in January saying:
We have been given the precious gift of human life, made more precious still by our births in or pilgrimages to a land of freedom. It is fitting, then, on the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade that struck down State anti-abortion laws, that we reflect anew on these blessings, and on our corresponding responsibility to guard with care the lives and freedoms of even the weakest of our fellow human beings.
At Key Ministry, we pray not only for the sanctity of life for the baby in the womb, but the sanctity of all lives, because all lives matter to God. As you pray for unborn babies, we also ask you to pray for:
The mothers who are carrying babies, that they will receive the help they need to carry their babies to term and assistance as their children grow.
Adoptive and foster care parents, who love and care for the children they are blessed to receive.
Post-abortive women who struggle with guilt and shame. Pray they would find forgiveness, peace, and a restored relationship with their Creator who loves them.
People in states with the Death with Dignity Act (and countries with similar policies). Pray those considered ending their lives would see each day of life as a gift from God, even as they suffer. Pray for renewed strength for those caring for them so they don't feel like a burden.
And because our site focuses on disability ministry support, we also lift up these requests for people with disabilities, both children and adults.
We pray they are not mocked, abused, ridiculed, or pitied, but they are seen as people made in the image of God who bring glory to Him.
We pray for their health and safety, and for those in the medical profession and first responders who take responsibility for their health and safety.
We pray for more accessibility in schools, public places, and churches so people with disabilities are comfortable and welcome wherever they go.
We pray that when necessary and helpful, laws are passed that continue to project the rights of people with disabilities and open more opportunities to our community.
We pray for adults who are advocates for themselves and their peers, and who are helping parents of younger children with disabilities raise them to be confident and independent.
We pray for caretakers, teachers, aides, volunteers, ministry leaders, and especially parents as they need wisdom and super-natural strength to care for those who can't fully care for themselves at this stage.
This Sanctity of Life Sunday, remember all lives are worthy and valuable to our Creator and should be to our society as well.
On Sanctity of Life Sunday in 2017, my husband Dr. Lee Peoples preached about how churches and Christians should value the lives of people with disabilities. You can watch it below.
