As the nation approaches the anniversary of Roe v. Wade’s reversal, a powerful gathering is set to take place: the National Prayer Service. This interdenominational event, held in Constitution Hall on January 23rd, will precede the March for Life in Washington, D.C., offering a moment for reflection and renewed commitment.
This year’s service arrives at a pivotal moment, as the nation nears its 250th birthday in 2026. The Declaration of Independence, a foundational document, explicitly acknowledges God as the source of our right to life, and government’s duty to protect it. This connection to our nation’s spiritual origins will be a central theme.
A troubling trend has taken root – a disregard for the sanctity of human life. Some believe this reflects a deeper spiritual crisis, echoing Abraham Lincoln’s warning that America has “forgotten God.” Recognizing this spiritual dimension is not simply a matter of faith, but a crucial step toward finding lasting solutions.
For decades, the pro-life movement has skillfully presented the scientific evidence: the unborn child is undeniably human. Ethical arguments, accessible even to those without religious belief, demonstrate the inherent wrongness of abortion and its damaging effects on individuals and society. These arguments have become widely accepted within the movement.
However, a subtle danger is emerging. An overemphasis on secular reasoning risks obscuring the vital, foundational role of religious faith in achieving true and lasting victory. While reason can illuminate the truth, faith provides the enduring power to defend it.
Despite the prevalence of secular arguments, faith remains a powerful force in American life. The majority of Americans believe in God, engage in prayer, and find guidance in scripture. To disconnect this deeply held faith from the pro-life position is to ignore a fundamental source of strength and conviction.
Religious belief doesn’t merely reinforce the argument against abortion; it elevates it. The understanding that human beings are created in God’s image, that God himself became human, and that Jesus Christ offers redemption to all life, provides a profound moral framework. It’s a framework that empowers individuals to act with courage and compassion.
In a world increasingly clouded by confusion, the clarity of faith is essential. It rescues reason from the influence of harmful ideologies and provides the grace needed to persevere through the challenges and even persecution that come with defending the unborn. Faith isn’t just about believing; it’s about enduring.
Persuading people of the truth is one challenge, but sustaining a decades-long commitment to protecting life requires a deeper wellspring of strength. This strength, this virtue, comes from a connection to something larger than oneself – from faith and a relationship with God.
Fortunately, faith will be visibly present at both the National Prayer Service and the March for Life itself. Crosses, rosaries, religious attire, and signs bearing scripture will serve as powerful reminders of the spiritual foundation of this movement. This expression of faith will extend to the West Coast as well, with the Walk for Life West Coast embracing similar displays of religious conviction.
Some express concern that clergy are hesitant to speak openly about abortion. Perhaps this stems from an unspoken message that religious arguments are unwelcome in the debate. It’s time to reaffirm the essential role of faith and encourage spiritual leaders to lend their voices to this critical cause.
The call to action is clear: gather to march, and gather to pray. Let the power of faith be a beacon, guiding the movement forward and illuminating the path to a future where every life is cherished and protected.
