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Note: Please join with us for tonight’s ACL prayer call for LIFE — see registration details at the bottom of this devotional.

Intention

To rest in the certainty that, before any of us took our first breath, we were already known and loved by God.

Scripture

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.”

– Jeremiah 1:5

Reflection

Emily sat quietly in the waiting room. Her hands wrapped around a cup of coffee that had long gone cold. She was only twenty years old, frightened and overwhelmed. The father of her unborn baby had disappeared. Her friends told her that abortion was the easiest solution. “You can get your life back,” they said.

As she stared at the floor, an elderly volunteer from a nearby pregnancy support centre approached her with a gentle smile.

“May I sit with you?”

Emily nodded.

For the next hour, the volunteer didn’t lecture or condemn. She simply listened. She spoke about practical help, loving families willing to support her, and a God who had not abandoned her. Before leaving, she handed Emily a small, knitted baby blanket.

“I don’t know what you’ll decide,” she said softly, “but I want you to know that both you and your baby matter.”

Emily left with more questions than answers, but she also left with hope.

Months later, she gave birth to a healthy little boy. The road ahead wasn’t easy, but she often said that one conversation changed everything. Someone had cared enough to remind her she wasn’t alone.

Years passed. That little boy grew into a compassionate young man who became a paediatric nurse, caring for sick children and comforting anxious parents every day.

No one in that waiting room could have imagined the lives that would be touched because one frightened mother chose life.

That’s often how God works. Small acts of love produce eternal fruit. A kind word, a listening ear, a practical gift, or a faithful prayer can change the direction of a life and generations after it.

As followers of Christ, we are called to defend the vulnerable with both truth and compassion. We stand for life not because we seek to win arguments, but because every person bears God’s image.

Every human life is created in his image and entrusted with dignity, purpose, and value.

In a world that often measures worth by circumstances or convenience, God’s Word reminds us that each life is precious to him. His love extends not only to the unborn child but also to every mother, father, and family facing difficult decisions.

The Lord is the giver of life, and he delights to bring hope where there is fear, and mercy where there is brokenness.

When we choose love over indifference and hope over despair, we become instruments of God’s life-giving grace.

Video

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for creating every life with purpose and love.

Give us compassionate hearts to care for mothers, fathers, and unborn children. Help us to speak the truth with gentleness, to offer practical support to those in need, and to reflect the mercy of Christ in all we do. May our lives be used to protect the vulnerable, strengthen families, and proclaim the hope found in Jesus Christ.

In his precious name we pray. Amen.

Author Bio

Peter Downie is the National Director of FamilyVoice Australia. Peter is married to Christine and they have eight children. He has a strong commitment to family life, and to seeing families grow and prosper in Australian society. He is also keen to see Christianity free to proclaim its vital message to individuals, families and the nation, which will provide a positive influence in society.

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

Sign up to receive daily devotions during these ten days of prayer and fasting in your inbox (and find extra info) here.

Join Us for the ACL “For Such a Time as This” Zoom Prayer Call for LIFE:

DATE: Thursday, 13 August 2026

TIME: 7:30 pm AEST; 7 pm ACST; 5:30 pm AWST

REGISTER: Here

Note: The Canberra Declaration will not hold our regular nightly Zoom prayer meeting on 13 August. Instead, in conjunction with the ACL and several other Christian organisations, we encourage everyone to join in this one-hour prayer meeting.

Join Us for Our Nightly Zoom Prayer Call:

DATES: From Monday, 10 August to Wednesday, 19 August

TIME: 8 pm AEST; 7:30 pm ACST; 6 pm AWST

ZOOM URL LINK: zoom.us/j/776881184

ZOOM TUTORIAL: youtube.com/watch?v=pAMDxH_H_Cs

View all Born Alive Left to Die 2026 devotionals

Daily devotions are brought to you by the Canberra Declaration.

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