Day 3: Focussing Our Attention on the One Who Loves Us
Intention
To focus our attention on Jesus and being faithful to him, entrusting the results of our prayers and advocacy for the unborn to him.
Scripture
“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.
“But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’
“‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’
“‘Come,’ he said.
“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’
“Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’”
– Matthew 14:25–31
Reflection
Just as Peter steps out of the boat in faith towards Jesus, we too, step out in faith to answer his call to warn a broken culture of the evil of abortion and to call our fellow Australians to arise and fight for babies.
Peter falters when he looks at the brewing storm and billowing wind instead of our Lord. It is easy to do.
I sometimes forget to focus on him and instead focus on me and the problems that I face. My anxiety increases and I start getting irritable with the people around me.
When I remember to focus on the one who loves me most and to surrender this mission to him, the peace that surpasses our human understanding descends (Philippians 4:6–7) and I am reminded this is his work, not mine.
God calls us to be faithful, not successful — and so in persistently and patiently working to bring about the end of abortion each day, we can entrust the outcomes to him.
Jesus sees Peter in his struggles, hurries towards him and rescues him. He is in control and he will help us in our struggles too.
Video
Prayer
Dear Jesus, please help me to step out in faith and courage like Peter to do what I can to bring about the end of abortion in Australia and to support courageous politicians like Llew O’Brien in their legislative efforts to protect these precious babies.
Please help me to be willing to be brave, look foolish in the eyes of the world and to be persistent in my efforts, never tiring or ceasing in fighting for babies.
I surrender this mission and indeed my entire life to you. Use me as your instrument, as your hands and feet.
Jesus, I trust in you alone. Amen.
Author Bio
Dr Joanna Howe is a Professor of Law at Adelaide University and a mother of five. A Rhodes Scholar, Joanna felt compelled to devote her life to ending abortion when the South Australian parliament passed new laws to introduce abortion up to birth. Her pro-life advocacy is based on the conviction that abortion harms women and is the most horrific human rights abuse in Australia today.
Prayer Points for Babies Born Alive Left to Die 2026
1. The Human Rights (Children Born Alive Protection) Bill 2026 to pass federal parliament. Micah 6:7–8
2. A change of hearts and minds towards LIFE across the nation. Psalm 139:13–16
3. Many to see the Baby Booties display on Parliament House’s lawns and many churches to be inspired to show the Born Alive Left to Die film. Hebrews 4:16
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DATES: From Monday, 10 August to Wednesday, 19 August
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TIME: 7:30 pm AEST; 7 pm ACST; 5:30 pm AWST
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