As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we know each human life is sacred. Each of us is a child of God, sent here by Him.
Sadly, this world often does not see the same value in each human life; a devastating 200,000 babies die through elective abortion every day. So what can we do? How can we stand as advocates for the sanctity of life?
Here is one powerful way almost anybody can stand up for life: Participate with 40 Days for Life.
What Is 40 Days for Life?
40 Days for Life is a global movement that seeks to end abortion through prayer, fasting, peaceful vigil, and community outreach. (It is an interfaith group that has, in our experience, promoted pro-life unity and inclusivity to people of all religions, including ours.)
Over a period of 40 days, participants from around the world unite to pray for the protection of life and to offer support to those who may be considering abortion. Usually, they pray outside an abortion facility or a place that refers patients for abortions.
Their approach, which combines spiritual practice with direct, peaceful action, has proven to be an effective and inspiring way to advocate for life. Since its inception, 40 Days for Life has saved thousands of lives, closed abortion facilities, and inspired countless individuals to change their minds on abortion or become more deeply involved in the pro-life movement. (E.g., you may have heard of the movie, “Unplanned”.)
By participating, we join a global community committed to safeguarding the most vulnerable among us—the unborn.
Why 40 Days for Life Matters for Latter-day Saints
We believe members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints everywhere should support 40 Days for Life vigils everywhere! We value opportunities to work and pray with unity alongside our brothers and sisters of other faiths, in defense of our vulnerable brothers and sisters in the womb.
As Latter-day Saints, we identify deeply with 40 Days for Life’s underlying principles:
The Sanctity of Life: We believe that life is a precious gift from our Heavenly Father, beginning long before birth and extending into eternity. By participating in 40 Days for Life, you can affirm your belief in the sanctity of life and speak out on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.
The Power of Prayer and Fasting: In our Church, we experience prayer and fasting as powerful tools for invoking divine guidance, strength, and miracles. 40 Days for Life centers on the same spiritual practices, making it a natural fit for Latter-day Saints who wish to combine their faith with action in support of life.
Christlike Compassion and Service: Our Savior taught us to love and serve others, especially those in need. 40 Days for Life is an excellent way for you to extend Christlike compassion to those in need, offering them love, support, and hope.
Community Involvement: As Latter-day Saints, we are encouraged to engage with our communities and to be a light to those around us. 40 Days for Life is a great chance for you to stand with others who share your values, creating a united front in defense of life.
6 Ways to Participate in 40 Days for Life
No matter where you are, you can get involved in 40 Days for Life! We encourage you to pray to know if and how you can serve:
Join a Prayer Vigil:
The typical way to participate is by joining a local prayer vigil. You usually sign up for an hour at a time. These peaceful vigils are often held outside abortion facilities, where participants pray for the protection of life and offer support to those who may be considering abortion. Sign up with a friend or family member and go together! Signing up is fast and easy: find a vigil near you on their website!
Bring a Group to a Prayer Vigil:
Invite your ward or stake to fill in a whole day or afternoon! (This is common practice for many other Christian congregations to do at 40 Days for Life; for help, find a vigil near you at the same link above, then contact the local leader listed for that location.)
If you can’t organize this at your ward or stake level, join with friends, or connect with other Latter-day Saints for Life in your area. If you have enough people, fill in multiple time slots together—and, if you have signed the pledge, feel free to tell the organizer that you are a group with Latter-day Saints for Life. Connect with Latter-day Saints for Life in your area in our exclusive Facebook group, Pro-life Members of The Church of Jesus Christ.
Hold a Prayerful Fast:
Whether you can make it in-person or not, you can do this! During the 40-day period, choose a fast Sunday or other day to fast for 24 hours. Pray throughout the day for a specific purpose: the protection of unborn children worldwide, women facing difficult pregnancies, the end of elective abortion in your area, conversion of hearts in your community, etc. Heartfelt fasting and prayer can unlock the blessings of heaven.
Educate and Advocate:
One of the most important ways we can support the pro-life movement is by educating ourselves and others about the realities of abortion and the alternatives that are available! Consider taking 40 Days for Life's advocacy training, reading their book, and simply learning from their social media. Share what you learn with your family, friends, and/or fellow ward members, and encourage them to get involved in 40 Days for Life.
Donate:
If you have more money than time and want to support the 40 Days for Life ministry, we encourage you to prayerfully decide if becoming a donor is something you are called to do. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, they count on people like you to support their mission! Choose a donation level on their website.
Responding to Common Concerns
We've heard some concerns/questions about participating in 40 Days for Life, especially regarding joining an in-person prayer vigil. We wanted to take a moment to address them!
I’m scared! What if people are mean or angry at me?
It’s natural to be nervous! Standing and praying publicly against abortion is pretty far outside of virtually everyone’s comfort zone—but it’s also normal for righteousness to face opposition. If you feel peace about the decision to go, move forward with faith. Remember why you’re there (out of love for God and others). If you have the Spirit, you will have strength to respond with love and wisdom.
Can I bring my children?
Children can’t sign up for vigil hours on the 40 Days for Life website; it’s not an event for children. Some people choose to bring their children with them to their shifts, some only bring older teens, and others prefer not to bring children. Use discernment and the Spirit, and ask your local vigil leader if you have more questions.
How do I know I’m not breaking any laws?
40 Days for Life is a law-abiding, free-speech organization known for highly peaceful and legal activities. They have a legal team that helps them prepare local leaders on local laws to ensure legal protections. After you sign up, your local vigil leader should brief you on the specifics; you can also ask them specific questions.
Does this really make a difference?
Absolutely! Nearly 25,000 lives have been saved because of 40 Days for Life, and they’ve been part of the closure of 150+ abortion clinics and the quitting of over 250 abortion workers. (Learn more here.) Plus, we believe in a spiritual shift of a people and a community who pray together for a righteous cause; by praying, you can bring light into darkness.
A Challenge: What Will You Do?
We challenge Latter-day Saints everywhere to join together with friends of all faiths. We have a vision that, like our friends of other faiths, members of the Church will show up in big numbers, individually and in groups, to pray for God to save our preborn brothers and sisters.
Participating in 40 Days for Life is more than just a way to stand up for the unborn—it’s a way to live our faith in action.
If you participate in 40 Days for Life, will you please tell us about it? Comment below or send us an email at info.latterdaysaintsforlife@gmail.com. Let us know where you are and how you served, and please include pictures!!
At the time of publishing, the next 40 Days for Life campaign begins on September 25th, 2024 and runs through November 3rd. Campaigns recur in the spring and fall.
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