Day 17: Mercy and Redemption
Intention
To pray for the Church to arise as ambassadors of righteousness, extending his mercy and redemption to those who’ve had involvement in abortion.
Scripture
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
– Psalm 103:8
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”
– Ephesians 2:4–5
Reflection
When I think about the theme of mercy and redemption amid the greatest tragedy in human history — ending lives of precious babies in the womb — I ask: How can we apply it?
According to the Bible, mercy is a divine attribute of compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, often demonstrated by withholding punishment that is deserved.
Redemption is the act of being saved from sin, error, or evil, and can mean either a personal process of atoning for past wrongs or a larger concept of being rescued from bondage. The personal meaning involves acknowledging mistakes, taking responsibility, and making amends.
It might be easy to quickly come to see how important the Lord’s mercy and redemption is for those who’ve had involvement in an abortion in some way. We might also think this is only for those who are not Christians and this underserved mercy and redemption will be the bridge to salvation — which for many it has been.
But when it comes to who needs the Lord’s mercy and redemption in relation to abortion, we don’t have to look any further than a mirror. Each one of us, and collectively the Church of Jesus Christ, needs to honestly ask: What have I done to protect the innocent unborn? Have I been a bridge from heaven to earth for the Lord to protect the unborn, support their upbringing and minister to those wounded and bound by the weight of a past abortion? Research has shown this is happening both inside and outside of churches.
Is it possible that God’s redemptive mercy is being withheld from Australia because of our failure to confess, as the Church of Jesus Christ in Australia, our culpability in the loss of over 80,000 innocent lives in the womb each year?
We, Christians, are the only ones who can call upon God and move his heart — after our active repentance (turning away from our wicked ways), he will hear from heaven. We can lead Australia by repenting for the shedding of innocent blood. Let us not have a false sense that the delay in judgement means God’s tolerance or approval.
Gathering to walk for life is vital in our efforts. It may appear to the world that it has not achieved much, but we need to ask the Lord to open our spiritual eyes to see what has truly happened. These events are a prayer walk covering our cities in love, our public display of our unity in seeking the Lord Jesus, repenting and praying for his mercy and redemption to flood our nation. These walks show the watching world what is truly valuable to us — because it is valuable to God.
The Church in every generation has had defining battles to fight. For us the sanctity of human life is surely one of these. Will he find us faithful? Will you speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves? Will you bind up the broken-hearted and proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to those in prison? There is a role for each one of us, because abortion is not a women’s only issue, and the ripple effect is broad — in different ways we are all affected, and poorer for those missing in our lives.
We invite you to join the House of Refuge ministry, as a Church or as an individual to be equipped to serve your community with this life-affirming mission. Please visit houseofrefuge.org.au to find out more and connect with us. By doing so, you’ll become the Lord’s bridge connecting his mercy and redemption.
Video
Prayer
Father, we come to you in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, to bring our heartfelt prayers to you about the national tragedy of abortion. We are deeply sorry that this is happening across our nation, and we repent before you and ask for your mercy and redemption.
Help your people, Lord Jesus, to arise as ambassadors of righteousness and extend your love to those who need you — especially anyone pregnant and scared. May the miracle of life connect their heart and mind and shield the deceptive lies of the enemy.
Embolden your Church to lead the way. We are the only answer ordained by you to meet the needs of our broken world. We bless every family in their greatest role in bringing up children to know, love and trust you.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Author Bio
Jodie Pickard is the Founding Director of Love Australia, a leading pro-life organisation that first began as Love Adelaide. Jodie has been involved in pro-life ministry since 2007 when she joined the volunteer team and board at Genesis Pregnancy Support.
After attending a Love Life Prayer Walk in the USA, her passion to unite and mobilise prayer for the unborn resulted in the first Walk for Life around Adelaide’s abortion clinic with 230 people in 2019. With the introduction of the SA Termination of Pregnancy Bill, the next Love Adelaide Walk for Life was held at Pennington Gardens and Parliament House in 2020 with 3000 attending. The Love Sydney Walk for Life was launched in 2023 with Love Australia’s support.
Love Australia’s latest endeavour is the introduction of the House of Refuge ministry, partnering with Love Life America. The mission is to equip churches all across Australia to be a safe haven — where those experiencing an unplanned/crisis pregnancy run to so they have no need to seek an abortion clinic and help those who have had an abortion find healing and understanding.
Prayer Points for 21 Days for Life 2026
- The Holy Spirit to transform our culture so that the shedding of this innocent blood becomes unthinkable in Australia. (Micah 6:7–8)
- The Church be one, praying and advocating for the unborn. (John 17:21)
- Each church across Australia to become a trusted place of mercy and redemption, so that anyone experiencing an unexpected pregnancy or who has been wounded by abortion will find help, hope and healing. For every church to be an effective House of Refuge for the unborn and their families, and Hubs of Love to be established in every city and town in the nation. (Hebrews 4:16)
- Those considering or wounded by abortion to receive compassionate and confidential care by contacting Pregnancy Help Australia or visiting a life-affirming pregnancy centre. (Exodus 15:26)
- Walks for life to flourish in every state and territory as a public witness. (Matthew 5:14–16)
- Australians to vote for and elect bold MPs who’ll stand for and champion the sanctity of life. (Psalm 139:13–16)
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TIME: 8 pm AEDT; 7:30 pm SA; 7 pm QLD; 6:30 pm NT; 5 pm WA
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Daily devotions are brought to you by Love Australia in conjunction with the Canberra Declaration.
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Oh for the Church to arise! The cry of our hearts for the babies to be born and thrive is intrinsically woven with the exclamation, Church Arise and stand for Life!