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(Jesus asked), “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour
to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
~ Luke 10:36-37

Jesus is the ultimate mercy-giver! We see this time and again throughout the Gospels as He personally healed, conversed with and served people.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37, Jesus vividly reveals that being a mercy-giver is the way to be a good neighbour, and then charges His enquirer to do likewise! The Good Samaritan was a mercy-giver not only in his attitude of mercy, but in how that attitude propelled him into action (unlike the two who did not have an attitude of mercy and then did nothing to assist the one in need!).

In the same way as the Jerusalem to Jericho traveller was robbed of his possessions and almost of his life, many pregnant women are robbed by our culture as it urges them to end their pregnancies, robbing them of the gift of motherhood and the baby of the gift of his or her life.

Just as the traveller needed mercy and practical assistance, so too do women in unintended pregnancies.

Thankfully, there are “First Responders” like the Good Samaritan, i.e., those in the Pregnancy Help Movement, who are willing to come alongside the woman, bringing mercy and truth and much practical help, so she can have the opportunity to think things through and make a decision instead of running with the press of culture, the crush of circumstances and the coercion of others.

We are not told if the traveller eventually continued travelling down the road to Jericho after he recovered from his injuries. Presumably, he did. May many women continue their pregnancy journey because they have been shown mercy!

Who will you encounter as you travel down the road? Will you also be a good neighbour by being a mercy-giver?

Story

Travelling down the road in a small Queensland town, Sherie, a single mother of four children, was distressed about the discovery of a 5^th pregnancy. Her head was telling her that she couldn’t do this again, the sleepless nights and all that goes with a newborn, and that she’d certainly have to give up her career. Sherie thought that abortion was a quick solution to get her back to normal.

But also on that road, there was a pregnancy centre. The phone number was prominently displayed on the door, so she called it. Sherie says, “When I spoke to (the pregnancy consultant), I felt like I could breathe again, I felt supported and that I had time, there was no rush. Her voice was so calming.”

Sherie adds, “The pregnancy centre team gave me mentoring, counselling, and lots of budgeting and practical help! I thought, ‘I could do this!’ The moment I gave birth, all the anxieties went, and I felt normal again. If I had gone through with the abortion, I wouldn’t be as blessed as I am now!”

Prayer Points

• Thank Jesus that He is the ultimate mercy-giver and for His abundant mercy to each of us.
• Pray for the “First Responders”, that is, the workers and volunteers in the Pregnancy Help Australia (PHA) network as they give mercy daily to women in unintended pregnancy and after abortion situations, that they will have wisdom, strength and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on their work.
• Pray for pregnant women, that they will find a PHA centre or call the National Helpline so they can think through their situation, process their thoughts and values around their unborn baby and explore solutions for the issues that are driving them to consider abortion.
• Ask God, “How can I be a good neighbour by being a mercy giver to women facing unintended pregnancy who are considering abortion, or to those who have had an abortion experience. How can I give my time/talent/treasure to advance this work?”

Worship/Song:

“Break my heart for what breaks Yours/Everything I am for Your Kingdom’s cause”

Prayer

Lord Jesus, may Mercy and Truth be brought into our society so that Life is protected and pregnant and after-abortion women receive compassion. Break my heart with what breaks Yours as women are robbed of motherhood and babies are robbed of their lives. Show me how to be a mercy-giver for this cause in Your Kingdom.

2025 Prayer Points

• Pray that the Spirit of Truth goes forth to make abortion unthinkable in Australia.
• That the Body of Christ unifies in prayer and advocacy, upholding the sanctity of life from conception to natural death in our unique spheres of influence — speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.
• Pray for the Lord to bless and empower men (according to Malachi 4:6) to lead in the protection of women and children.
• That Australians will vote according to the defence of LIFE in all the upcoming elections. That the political leaders who have muzzled the politicians from any discussion or bills about abortion — repent, and these bans be lifted in Qld, SA and Federally. That the Babies Born Alive (Human Rights — Children Born Alive Protection Bill 2021) tabled in the Australian Federal Parliament be passed with no more delay, legislating across Australia that babies born alive after a failed abortion, receive proper medical care and legal protection.
• That every church across Australia be a trusted place of mercy and compassion, operating as a House of Refuge. Creating havens of safety and acceptance for those experiencing an unplanned/crisis pregnancy or who have been hurt by a previous abortion.
• For Hubs of Love to be established in every city and town in the nation.
• Women and men in crisis to phone the compassionate and confidential Pregnancy Help Australia or visit a life-affirming pregnancy centre — being protected from pro-abortion doctors or clinics.
• That the abortionist doctors and nurses involved will have the spiritual veil of deception removed to see the humanity of the unborn — causing deep repentance. Help the Body of Christ to be ready to lead them in healing.
• We pray for every state and territory of Australia to arise in the cause of defending life in the womb from the tragedy of abortion and come together to walk for life. A blessing on the “Walk for Life Adelaide” on 8 February 2025 and “March for Life” Brisbane — date TBA, Mackay “March for the Babies” in October, “March for the Babies” Melbourne, Perth’s Rally for Life in May, and for all Territories and States to join in and hold a Walk for Life in their city/region.
• Pray for Love Adelaide’s Walk for Life 2025 on 8^th February from 10am-12pm to grow in momentum and fruitfulness. Pray for effective doors of favour to open, health and strength for the leaders, speakers and volunteers, for finances, safety and perfect weather.