National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2009

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

All human life is a gift from our Creator that is sacred, unique, and worthy of protection. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, our country recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world. We also underscore our dedication to heeding this message of conscience by speaking up for the weak and voiceless among us.

The most basic duty of government is to protect the life of the innocent. My Administration has been committed to building a culture of life by vigorously promoting adoption and parental notification laws, opposing Federal funding for abortions overseas, encouraging teen abstinence, and funding crisis pregnancy programs. In 2002, I was honored to sign into law the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which extends legal protection to children who survive an abortion attempt. I signed legislation in 2003 to ban the cruel practice of partial-birth abortion, and that law represents our commitment to building a culture of life in America. Also, I was proud to sign the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004, which allows authorities to charge a person who causes death or injury to a child in the womb with a separate offense in addition to any charges relating to the mother.

America is a caring Nation, and our values should guide us as we harness the gifts of science. In our zeal for new treatments and cures, we must never abandon our fundamental morals. We can achieve the great breakthroughs we all seek with reverence for the gift of life.

The sanctity of life is written in the hearts of all men and women. On this day and throughout the year, we aspire to build a society in which every child is welcome in life and protected in law. We also encourage more of our fellow Americans to join our just and noble cause. History tells us that with a cause rooted in our deepest principles and appealing to the best instincts of our citizens, we will prevail.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 18, 2009, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. I call upon all Americans to recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies and to underscore our commitment to respecting and protecting the life and dignity of every human being.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

(HT: Stand to Reason Blog)

One-to-One Prayer and Bible Reading

The Briefing Library takes a look at One-to-One Prayer and Bible Reading.

What are the benefits of reading the Bible and praying one-to-one? It is:

• convenient: arranging to meet one Christian for one hour weekly is realistic, even in the busiest lives. It's easy to get started, with minimal organization required.
• personal: the discussion and prayers can address particular individual concerns. In groups, it is impossible to deal with everyone's issues and questions.
• accountable: meeting one-to-one is an ideal way of holding each other accountable to read and obey the Bible. It is hard to meet each week and pretend to be serious about submitting to Christ while playing around with secret sin. In our perversity, this is not impossible, but it's hard to sustain the performance.
• strategic: this is a basic ministry to master, and will be useful in many contexts. Wherever we go in church life, we can find a Christian with whom we can read and pray. Sometimes at work we will find a Christian who would love to meet with us. In some ministry contexts, such as the military and educational institutions, it is almost impossible to gather Christians into groups, and personal ministry is the only option. For some Christians, the only opportunity for fellowship is with individuals due to family restrictions and persecution.

What to Pray For

John Piper gathers a list from the New Testament on What We Should Pray For (see the article for the scripture verses):

Call on God to exalt his name in the world.
Call on God to extend his kingdom in the world.
Call on God that the gospel would run and triumph.
Call on God for the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Call on God to vindicate his people in their cause.
Call on God to save unbelievers.
Call on God to direct the use of the sword.
Call on God for boldness in proclamation.
Call on God for signs and wonders.
Call on God for the healing of wounded comrades.
Call on God for the healing of unbelievers.
Call on God for the casting out of demons.
Call on God for miraculous deliverances.
Call on God for the raising of the dead.
Call on God to supply his troops with necessities.
Call on God for strategic wisdom.
Call on God to establish leadership in the outposts.
Call on God to send out reinforcements.
Call on God for the success of other missionaries.
Call on God for unity and harmony in the ranks.
Call on God for the encouragement of togetherness.
Call on God for a mind of discernment.
Call on God for a knowledge of his will.
Call on God to know him better.
Call on God for power to comprehend the love of Christ.
Call on God for a deeper sense of assured hope.
Call on God for strength and endurance.
Call on God for deeper sense of his power within you.
Call on God that your faith not be destroyed.
Call on God for greater faith.
Call on God that you will not fall into temptation.
Call on God that he would complete your resolves.
Call on God that you would do good works.
Call on God or forgiveness for your sins.
Call on God for protection from the evil one.