40 Days for Life: Discover What God Has Done...Imagine What He Can Do

by David Bereit

As America marks the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision this year, abortion has become the leading cause of death in our nation and worldwide, ending the lives of more than 42 million children each year and harming millions of women – and men.

In the midst of this global crisis, there is new hope.

Beginning with one hour of prayer in Texas in 2004, the groundbreaking 40 Days for Life movement of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigils, and community outreach has mobilized more than half a million volunteers in 481 cities around the world. 6,749 babies have been spared from abortion. 75 abortion workers have had a change of heart and quit their jobs. 25 abortion centers have closed. And every baby, every changed heart, every closure is an amazing story.

This book contains forty of those
•Hearts changed on the most controversial issue in our culture
•Babies and mothers spared from abortion at the last possible second
•Shocking secrets from inside the abortion industry – revealed
•Abortion workers experiencing a change of heart and quitting their jobs
•Thriving abortion facilities shutting down for good
“If you are growing weary over the increasing level of disrespect of the most innocent among us, open this book, read these encouraging stories of lives saved ad redeemed, and help let the light out!”
- Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family

“These are incredibly beautiful stories -- brief, crisply told, illuminating, heart-rending. Reading one a day does wonders for one's sense of human beauty and God's power. The power of prayer is breathtaking. Whole abortion clinics close, directors begin to reflect and to walk out, faces in grief and despair about abortions to be inflicted within them turn to faces of gratitude, and joy, and thanksgiving -- often after a writhing inward struggle, in which they first see that someone stands with them, prays with them, hopes with them.” - Michael Novak, Author, Journalist, Diplomat, winner of 1994 Templeton Prize

“You must read 40 Days for Life! You will be inspired, and your faith will be renewed that ordinary people, like us, through the power of prayer, can save lives.”
-Margaret H. Hartshorn, Ph.D., President, Heartbeat International

“40 Days for Life is one of the most impressive initiatives launched since Roe v. Wade. It’s a powerful combination of prayer and persuasion, aimed above all at serving women in crisis pregnancies and helping rebuild a culture of life. The forty stories told here are stories of America at its best.”
- George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center

Genres: Christian Living, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2013

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an atheist Pro-lifer, at first, I found it hard to get into. I initially picked it up about a year ago and the religious references frustrated me so I stopped reading. I picked up where I left off a few days ago, and decided to approach it in a neutral manner,like I was studying another culture. This time I was able to get through it, though I skipped the prayers. To my surprise the book made me a little nostalgic for my time as a Christian. It was a weird feeling, one I've never felt before, because in general I kind of see my time as a Christian as a terrible waste. This made me think of the good times, and reminded me about how my once faith was so entwined with my pro-life work. There were times when I found myself almost wishing I could go back – which is a really strange feeling for me and opposite of how I generally feel

I really enjoyed reading the success stories of different people and the stories of how people got involved in the movement. Especially the stories of babies being saved from abortion. By the end of the book I was riveted, and it helped me to rededicate myself to the pro-life movement. Religion or no religion – the stories were inspiring for the most part it was interesting to learn how such a major movement of 40 days for life got started. From such humble beginnings, you know? It makes me feel like I can do anything, which I think was the point of the book – that no matter where you are or what your life is like, you can do great things for the pro-life movement. It was a very inspirational book. In the end, I'm giving it 5 stars, because I think for Christian audience it would definitely be a 5 star book – although for me, as an atheist, I would be more tempted to give it four.

[Megan Meisberger · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing style was boring and flat, so it was difficult to pay attention. The style between the two guys seemed the same, so I'd strongly wager that this was all "ghost" written by the same person (she is given credit on the cover). The suggested prayers are vanilla, making it obvious that whoever wrote them does not have a robust biblical worldview, but instead, a worldview that is comparable to the generic "Christianity" of our day. Scriptures are often taken out of context. The unbiblical take on abortion, in which all women who do it are just victims that don't have enough help, and don't actually want to do it, is put forth, although not very often (most of the book is stories of the impact of 40 Days for Life). Also, the very relevant and significant differences between Protestants and Catholics are swept aside. The author(s) assume(s) that the ecumenism of their movement is a good thing, but God does not see it that way. The differences affect where souls end up in eternity. The foundations warrant different approaches to the act of opposing abortion, but the book acts like these do not exist. Finally, it briefly mentions that the abortion will end only when Roe is overturned, which is also wrong. This is everything that I expected from the book, but it's still annoying. It would be nice if the pro-life establishment actually interacted with the criticisms of the abolitionist movement, instead of ignoring them (like they usually do) or straw-manning its proponents as fat, ugly slobs that scream at women outside of abortion clinics. (The straw-manning didn't happen in this book, thankfully. Abolitionists are not mentioned.)

[Rachel Askew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself in tears reading the stories in this book. It’s so inspirational to hear about the 40 Days for Life movement that started with prayer and faith. This book strengthened my own faith and encouraged me to get involved.

I encourage all to read, no matter your beliefs.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did a great job of helping me understand 40 Days for Life, specifically, how and why this organization/movement got started and what is at the heart of it--peaceful, prayerful, compassionate outreach. Having read it, I feel like I now know the authors somewhat. It is a book that changed me for the better. It is a very hopeful book. I am a person who has always believed that there are lots of good people, of all denominations (or of no denomination) but these 40 Days for Life people are some of the most Christian Christians I have ever learned about. I am happy to make their acquaintance through this book and now I am motivated to read "The Beginning of the End of Abortion" by Shawn Carney.

[Željko Filipin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is probably the first pro-life book I have read. 40 touching stories about pro-life movement 40 Days for Life.

[Kimberley H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a reread so I didn't do it over the 40 days, having watched Unplanned over the weekend I felt it was a good time to reread this.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows how much prayer can do to make an impact for LIFE. I enjoyed reading all the stories of lives affected through 40 Days for Life and from individuals just being there in front of the abortion center. 40 Days for Life is a good way to get started in action to make a difference for LIFE.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expect that anyone who is pro-abortion will NOT like this book; but, being pro-life myself, I liked it a LOT.

[Laura McAninch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel hope in the loving and peaceful actions in the 40 Days For Life organization.

[Tina Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Linda Pfenning]

Uplifting, refreshingly peaceful approach to the anti-abortion movement. A bit redundant and without the needed “how to” for the reader. Would make a good personal prayer/meditative exercise.

[C · Rating 1 out of 5]

The heartwarming story of those that stand outside healthcare clinics harassing those getting care, and making staff fear for their lives.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational and motiving! This book offers a new insight into what God is doing in the pro-life movement. Truly, as the scriptures say, it's "Not by might, and not by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord."

The movement "40 Days For Life" is all about prayer - prayer for the unborn, prayer for the desperate mothers who have lost hope, prayer for the fathers who are also victims of abortion, prayer for the abortion workers, and prayer for our nation. Miracles upon miracles have been witnessed through 40 Days For Life.

Having been involved in the pro-life cause for many years, serving on the board of Alaska Right to Life and also serving with the Alaska Rescue Project in the late 1980s, I have been AWOL for a number of years, since the time I moved to Arizona.

I've always considered the abortion issue to be the most significant moral issue of my life time. Now, after reading this book, I'm ready to get back into action.

I hear the call. I will answer the call.

I say, "Yes, Lord, yes!"

[Lucy Pollard-Gott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never read a book about abortion before; I am glad that this is the one I picked up first. It tells the story, in 40 chapters, of the 40 Days for Life peaceful 24-hour prayer vigils which are done in the public right-of-way outside abortion facilities in cities across the US and now, around the world. To me, the most important aspect of this prayerful protest is that prayers of healing are offered for everyone concerned: the unborn child, the mother (before and after, whatever the outcome), the father, and all the staff of the facility. All are held in prayer during the vigils and help or counsel is offered only if one of the interested parties comes out and approaches them and asks for help. And many do. This book tells their stories too.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing modern day account of God working through us here on Earth. The Bible heroes and saints can feel long ago and far away at times. This movement shows us how that same God works through the unlikely every day. It gives us voice and hope. And most importantly, voice and hope to our littlest ones in the womb, and hope and healing to their families. Read this book and you will be blessed and convicted to see what God can do through you for others!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really showcases the humility and integrity that I've encountered in all of my interactions with 40 Days For Life. I think the 40 Days For Life model has changed the way pro-lifers act outside abortion clinics--putting the focus on God and what HE can do, where it belongs--not just during the 2 yearly campaigns but all the time. It was very cool and encouraging to read about the beginning of this movement.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is meant to be a 40 day devotional, I couldn't just read one chapter a day. The stories were so inspiring and many brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things through prayer.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The power of prayer and faith in the pursuit of pro-life. Abortion is the leading cause of death worldwide, ending the lives of 42 million children each year. In the midst of this global crisis, there is new hope in the 40 Days for Life movement.

[Wannie Michelmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compilation of testimonies from Coalition for Life, with stories of ex-abortion workers, doctors, planned parenthood director, mothers who went through the ordeal of abortions and healthcare mistreatments. There are prayers for the unborn at every end of the testimonies. A good read.

[Kristie Racanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories in this book are amazing and inspiring. I had no idea the 40 days for life was such a new thing, I just thought I hadn't heard of it until a few years ago. This gives me encouragement that we are making a difference, even if it is just one day or one person at a time.

[Roger Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that in practical terms offers ways for Christians to fight for the gift of life. Great stories on how prayer has led to a difference in how to end abortion. A reminder to all Christians is the greatest weapon we have against evil is prayer.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many inspiring stories happening on the sidewalks. Written to work as a devotional, but takes a lot of patience (which I didn't have) to read one day at a time.

[Larry Cirignano · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an inspiration. 40 chapters of 40 ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

[Mrs.LOlnes_8Rdg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational book for ADULTS ONLY! Students are NOT allowed to read this!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I can't wait to pass it on to many family and friends.

[Maricar Hodkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so inspiring and I can relate so much how God called people to serve him through pro-life movement and to save His creation.

[Dayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational collection of experiences from the 40 Days For Life movement. Certainly motivational and honest. Very easy to follow, an enjoyable read.

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! The stories are intense and will change your way of thinking.

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE!