Frequently the question is asked, “what can I do to end legalized abortion?” My answer is always, “anything.” Too often in the pro-life movement we have a tendency to think that what we are doing is the best and only way to end legalized abortion, and what other pro-lifers are doing isn’t as effective as our work. Yet this is a temptation from the devil. If you are sidewalk-counseling, running for office, working at a crisis pregnancy center, writing to your congressman, or any other host of things, you are doing the right thing. Legalized abortion is so deeply ingrained in our society that it will take a multi-faceted approach to bring it down.

That being said, I do think there is one activity that is superior to all others, but fortunately, it can easily be done in conjunction with other activities. That activity is prayer and fasting. Those who have fighting legalized abortion for any length of time will tell you that it is primarily a spiritual battle. Our enemy is not pro-abortion politicians or even abortionists. They are victims of our true enemy, which is the Father of Lies, Satan. And Satan cannot be defeated simply by activism alone; he is defeated through the power of Christ. Thus our activism must have a spiritual basis, for legalized abortion is clearly the kind of evil that can only be driven out by prayer and fasting (cf. Mark 9:29).

That is why I am excited about the International Week of Prayer and Fasting ^[1], to be held October 2-12, which has as one of its objectives to end abortion. Here are some details:

Organizers of the 17th annual Week of Prayer and Fasting comprise a coalition of Catholic and Christian organizations. They said the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Rosary are “supernatural heavenly weapons to prevent disasters, wars and degeneration.”

The goals of this week of prayer are the conversion of nations, peace and an end to abortion. Its theme is “God’s Plan for Life and Love.” Organizers are asking people to attend the week’s events in Washington, D.C. if possible and also to fast, go to confession, attend daily Mass and offer prayers such as Holy Hours, Rosaries and Divine Mercy Chaplets.

The great thing about such an event is literally everyone can participate. So next week take some time for extra prayer and be sure to involve fasting in your spiritual practices. The mothers and children in danger of being victimized by abortion will thank you for it one day.