God, you are the Lord and Creator of Life.
You have blessed men and women
With the privilege
Of bringing new life
Into the world.

You have imparted in our hearts
The desire to nurture and protect life
At all its stages.

I accept these gifts as a sacred trust.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit
Help me to affirm the value of life.

Grant me the wisdom and courage
To speak out and defend human life.

Give me compassion
So that I may lovingly counsel
Those who would reject the gift of life,
Which is the reflection
Of Your image and likeness.

Amen.

For the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time