Day 11 Jan 31 - National Prayer & Fasting - Jesus taught on Compassion
- Love Australia
- Jan 15, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 1, 2024
So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. Luke 15:20 CSB
Devotion
Compassion is a huge part of our heavenly Father’s character and ways! Jesus was constantly moved by compassion for people. He also taught parables highlighting the characteristic of compassion as a vital part of Heaven’s Kingdom culture.
Like the loving father and the prodigal son – the father was constantly watching, longing for his son to return to him. In Luke 15:20 (CSB) So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.
Even though his son had taken his inheritance and left and wanted nothing further to do with his father- considering his father dead the father never gave up on his son but longed for his return. When the son came back he found a true loving family reinstatement. How His Church needs to show this same loving embrace to those who are coming back to the Lord after having had an abortion. Similarly, this same embracing love needs to be shown to those who choose to give up a child for adoption (now extremely rare) and to those contemplating how to navigate an unplanned pregnancy.
Again, in the parable of the good Samaritan Jesus speaks of the Samaritan having compassion while the others did not – even the religious leader wanted nothing to do with the assaulted and injured man. It was the most unlikely one in the Jewish culture – a Samaritan - that Jesus used to illustrate loving kindness, fuelled by compassion, that aided someone who was in great need. “But a Samaritan on his journey came up to him, and when he saw the man, he had compassion.” Luke 10:33 (CSB)
Worship
Prayer
Heavenly Father thank you, that you are a God of compassion and mercy! Thank you for the incredible gift of sending your Son Jesus - Immanuel, to live among us. You said ‘listen to him’ so we ask for ears to hear more acutely our beloveds voice and Holy Spirits prompting. Give us eyes to see those around us, whom you are highlighting, that need your compassion. Let your people have a complete shift to be compassionate and be actively motivated. Let us be moved by compassion to assist teenagers, women and families who are in danger of seeking out or being coerced into an abortion.
Lord help shift the culture of our nation to be a compassionate people who put human life in its rightful place - having the highest value because we are made in your image and likeness. Lord render completely powerless the powers of darkness that have been blinding people to this truth. Lord in your mercy may we your people rise-up with greater capacity and strength to use our gifts and wealth to serve your kingdom in ways that make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable. We pray in your precious name Lord Jesus, Amen
Prayer Points
It is crucial for Australians to stand united and shout out for the Babies Born Alive through failed abortion to be given life-saving treatment and care and not left to die. Pray for the Babies Born Alive Bill to debate and the senate to now vote. Senator Matt Canavan, Senator Ralph Babet and Senator Alex Antic have co-signed a bill to give babies born alive from abortion a right to life. No More Delay! Let this become a loud election issue for this government. Hear first hand a midwifes grief and Born Alive after a failed abortion story at Love Sydney Walk for Life.
Pray the Love Adelaide - Walk for Life 2024 on Feb 10th 10am-12pm will grow in momentum to double last year - that nothing will hinder the church standing against legalized abortion, to add their strength and support to end the abortion crisis in our nation and beyond. Pray for health for everyone especially the overseas guest speaker, doors of favour to open, more volunteers for the walk and the weather to be favourable.
We pray for every state and territory of Australia to recognise that every life is a gift from God - for the church to arise in the cause of defending life in the womb from the horror of abortion and come together to stand for life. For greater numbers to be in attendance at the “Walk for Life Adelaide” 10th Feb 2024 and “March for Life” Brisbane - date TBA, Mackay “March for the Babies” October, “March for the Babies” Melbourne, Love Sydney Walk for Life TBA, 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.
Even though every state in Australia has changed Legislation to allow abortion up to birth, we can all work together to change such legislation. It's all about numbers - Pray that we unify and work together to make abortion unthinkable in Australia. Pray for the number of awakened righteous politicians and leaders in every sphere of influence to increase and be empowered and emboldened to change the laws and influence this generation with the truth about abortion.
Ask for many more churches across the nation to be aware of the women in their midst who are suffering through having had an abortion. To have spiritual discernment to identify women with a crisis pregnancy who need the help, hope and love of Jesus to keep the baby or choose adoption into a loving home. That every church be a trusted place of mercy and compassion to be known and operating as Houses of Refuge for the unborn and families. For Hubs of Love to be established in every city and town in the nation.
We thank God for your faithfulness in Praying with countless others across Australia - May God Bless you and your family. Pastor Ann Browne Love Australia
