Divine Mercy for the
Unborn
For all helpless little children who
die in the womb of their mother, I pray that all of these little
souls will be given eternal life by Our Lord, Jesus Christ, through
His Divine Mercy and I beg Jesus that I be allowed to spiritually
baptize a little soul born dead and I do so by saying: I baptize you
(Give name, preferably a Saints Name) in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
I have called you
by your name, you are Mine! (Is. 43:1)
Prayer of Divine Mercy Apostolate
Capuchin Friary, Dublin
Prayer to God the
Father of all Life
Eternal God, You have revealed
Yourself as the Father of all Life. We praise You for the Fatherly
care which You extend to all creation, and especially to us, made in
Your image and likeness.
Father, extend Your hand of
protection to those threatened by abortion, and save them from its
destructive power. Give Your strength to all fathers, that they may
never give in to the fears that may tempt them to facilitate
abortions.
Bless our families and bless our
land, that we may have the joy of welcoming and nurturing the life of
which You are the source and the Eternal Father. Amen.
Redeemer in the
Womb
Lord Jesus Christ, You took our human
nature upon Yourself. You shared our life and death, our childhood
and adulthood.
You also shared our time in the womb.
While still God, while worshipped and adored by the angels, while
Almighty and filling every part of the universe, You dwelt for nine
months in the womb of Mary. You were our Redeemer in the womb, our
God who has a preborn child.
Lord Jesus, we ask You to bless and
protect the children who today are in their mothers womb. Save
them from the danger of abortion. Give their mothers the grace to
sacrifice themselves, in body and soul, for their children. Help all
people to recognize in the preborn child a brother, a sister, saved
by You,our Redeemer in the womb.
Prayers to Jesus in
the Holy Eucharist
My Body
This is My Body, given up for
you. Lord Jesus, we hear Your words each day at Mass. You have
used these words to teach us the meaning of Your love for us, a love
that brought You to the cross to give Your life so we might live. You
use these words also to teach us the meaning of our love for one
another, a love which leads us to give ourselves away that others
might live.
This is my body. Lord, we
also hear these words used by those who think they can take life,
just because that life is growing within their body. We hear these
words distorted by those who support abortion.
Grant that all Your people may learn
that human fulfillment is never found by pushing someone else out of
the way, but only and always by pushing ourselves out of the way. May
all Your people live their lives according to Your most sacred words,
This is my body, given up for you!
Unity
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the
gift of the Holy Eucharist, Your Sacred Body, by which You unite us
as one body in You. For we, many though we are, are one body,
for we all partake of the one loaf (1 Cor. 10:17). As we
receive You, O Lord, You also receive us. As You draw us up to
Yourself, You draw us also into one another. You are the Body
of Christ, and individually members of it (1 Cor. 12:27).
Lord, grant that we may never exclude
any of the other members of Your Body from our love. As we receive
Your Body in Communion, so let us receive and welcome all the members
of Your Body, no matter how inconvenient they may be. Help us
especially to welcome those who have become the most unwelcome
members of our world, namely, those who have just entered it. Bless
our brothers and sisters in the womb. Rod our world of the sin of
abortion, which divides parents from their own children, from one
another, from their very selves, and from You, O Lord.
Grant that the power of Unity which
we find in the Eucharist may overcome the fear of the unborn child,
and may enable us to welcome that child as a brother, a sister, a
member of Your Body. Amen.
Faith
Lord Jesus, I firmly believe that the
Blessed Sacrament is Your very Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity.
Senses cannot grasp this marvel. Faith, however, reaches beyond what
the eyes can see and assures us that You are present.
Grant, O Lord, that our faith in the
Eucharist may also strengthen our ability to recognize the dignity of
every human life. We know that the senses can fool us there as well.
Some may not be attractive, others may seem too small, some may
appear as less than human.
But we, who can see You in the Sacred
Host, can certainly see you in our brothers and sisters. We can also
see You, O Lord, in the children in the womb. In a day when so many
have forgotten these children, and dismiss them as less valuable than
those who are born, grant that we may grow all the or convinced of
their dignity and worth.
Then grant, O Lord, that we may act
accordingly. Amen.
Prayers to the Holy
Spirit
Giver of Life
Come Holy Spirit, Creator of all
things
You who breathed over the waters at the dawn of creation
and brought forth all living beings
You who filled the apostles
when the Risen Lord breathed on them on the first Easter night,
giving them the power to restore life to those dead in sin
You
who, on the last day, will breathe again over all the dead and raise
them from the graveCome! Come and breathe on our world again,
immersed as it is in the Culture of Death! Come, O Lord and Giver of
Life! Defeat the works of death in our midst, that abortion may no
longer stain our land.
We worship You, O Holy Spirit, and we
rejoice in You. We know that no matter how strong the forces of death
may be, we can still find in You the endless source of life. Renew
that life in each of us, and make us worthy apostles of the Culture
of Life in our day! Amen.
Prayer to the Spirit of Truth
Holy Spirit, You are the promised
Spirit of Truth, constantly revealing the splendor of truth to Your
people, and leading us deeper into the Mysteries of our Faith.
Come to us today, and deepen in our
minds and hearts the truth about the life: its greatness, its
dignity, its reflection of the eternal God. Make us appreciate ever
more the truth that life is always a good, and that every life is of
equal dignity, despite all the different characteristics people have,
or the different circumstances under which they come to be.
Come, Spirit of Truth. Free all Your
people from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion. Free
them from the false and harmful ideas which make a god out of their
own choices, or which fail to recognize the right to life of children
in the womb.
Come, O Holy Spirit, and as You
immerse us in Your truth, so make us effective witnesses of that
truth within our families, among our friends, and to all the world.
Amen.
The Advocate
O Holy Spirit of God, You were
promised to us by the Lord Jesus as the Advocate, as one who pleads
our cause and speaks up for us in the heights of heaven. I will
ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you
forever
(Jn. 14:15).
The apostle Paul has taught us that
You intercede for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in
speech (Rom. 8:26).
We praise You today for the gift of
salvation, for we are deeply aware that we cannot save ourselves. We
have sinned, and we cannot win forgiveness on our own. We need an
Advocate.
We ask You, O Holy Spirit, to make us
ever more aware of those who need us as advocates. Grant that we may
hear the cries of our youngest, smallest brothers and sisters, those
still in the womb, who cannot speak or defend themselves, and who
cannot even pray.
Holy Spirit, as You are the Advocate,
so make us advocates. As You hear our cries for mercy, so let us hear
the cries of others for mercy. Save us from the misfortune of seeking
mercy only for ourselves, while being deaf to others. As You loosened
the tongues of the apostles at Pentecost, so grant us today a
Pentecost for the unborn, that we may speak for them before the great
and the small, before governments and institutions, and before all
Your people. Amen.
General
Intercessions at a Pro-Life Mass/Prayer Service
For Use at a Pro-Life
Mass or Prayer Service
Celebrant:
We trust in the mercy and power of
God. Therefore, we now pray with confidence.
Cantor:
For the Holy Catholic Church
throughout the world, that she may carry on her mission of life with
faith and joy, we pray to the Lord
That God may protect all unborn
babies, and keep them safe from the scourge of abortion, we pray to
the Lord
For all women who have had abortions,
and for those who feel tempted and afraid, we pray to the
Lord
That God may bless all doctors and
nurses, and help them use their skills to heal and foster life, we
pray to the Lord
For all elected officials, that they
courageously advance the cause of life, we pray to the Lord
For all those who work in the pro-life movement, that they move
forward with haste to the great day of victory, we pray to the
Lord
That God strengthen all pro-lifers
who suffer ridicule, rejection or imprisonment, we pray to the
Lord
For all those who have died, that
they share the full glory of Heaven, we pray to the Lord
Celebrant:
We praise you, O God, Lord and Giver
of Life, and we look to You in the sure hope that You will grant
these prayers through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Meditations for
Pro-Life Stations of the Cross
The First Station: Jesus is
Condemned to Death
Though innocent, Jesus is condemned
by the power of the State. In like manner, our innocent brothers and
sisters in the womb have been condemned. Their rights and dignity are
not recognized. In this, they bear a special likeness to Jesus.
The Second Station: Jesus is Made
to Bear His Cross
The salvation of the world carried a
heavy price for our Lord, the agony of the cross. As He accepts His
cross, let us also resolve to endure suffering that others may live.
Let us pay the price for standing up for our preborn brothers and
sisters.
The Third Station: Jesus Falls the
First Time
Almighty God was weak because He
chose to be like us. He had power and glory from all eternity, yet He
chose to be immersed in the world of suffering. We pray that the
benefits and advantages we have in life may not cause us to forget
our preborn brothers and sisters.
The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets
His Afflicted Mother
There is no deeper relationship than
that of mother and child. They belong together. When one suffers, the
other suffers. To love and defend one means to love and defend the
other. To be pro-life means to serve both the child and the mother.
It means to ask our society, Why cant we love them
both?
The Fifth Station: The Cyrenian
Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
Many watched the Lord suffer. Simon
the Cyrenian helped alleviate that suffering. Many lament abortion.
Some actually get involved to help to stop it. We pray that all
people may take their active place in the pro-life movement.
The Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes
the Face of Jesus
The compassion Veronica shows
reflects the compassion of so many medical doctors and norses, who
treat their patients with dignity. We pray for repentance and renewal
in the medical profession. May the tools and skills meant for the
healing nevermore be used for killing.
The Seventh Station: Jesus Falls
the Second Time
In working to defend life, there are
many setbacks and obstacles. Yet we know the meaning of the cross. In
weakness, power reaches perfection. We do not look to our own
strengths and talents alone, but to Christ. His own strength will
sustain us.
The Eighth Station: Jesus Speaks
to the Women of Jerusalem
Christ told these women to weep for
themselves and for their children. He does not want false worship,
but repentance. He does not want followers who cry out to Him but
then ignore injustice and bloodshed. May all who believe in Christ
likewise stand up for the defenseless children.
The Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the
Third Time
Despite the falls, nothing can stop our Lord,
because He is on a mission of love. If the pro-life movement is not a
movement of love, it is nothing at all; but if it is a movement of
love, then nothing will stop it. Love is stronger than death, more
powerful than hell.
The Tenth Station: Jesus is
Stripped of His Garments
Nobody can stop us from loving our
preborn brothers and sisters. Those who are stronger than we are may
strip us of popularity, possessions, or power, but they cannot strip
us oflove. We love others with the same love that Christ showed for
us.
The Eleventh Station: Jesus is Nailed
to the Cross
The powers of this world crucified
the God who made this world. All power and authority come from God.
All who exercise power have to account for it before the throne of
God. We pray that those in government may use their powers to protect
the innocent babies in the womb.
The Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on
the Cross
Our Lord died. So many of His
children have died with Him. His passion is re-lived with every
abortion, one every twenty seconds in our country. We only know a
fraction of the horror of this act in the sight of God. We only know
a fraction of the horror of Christ's crucifixion. May all our
brothers and sisters killed by abortion rest in Christ's peace and be
saved by His cross.
The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is
Taken Down from the Cross
Mary experienced the pain of holding
her dead Son. So many mothers grieve after their abortions. We ask
that Mary may comfort them, help them face the truth about abortion,
and lead them to forgiveness and healing.
The Fourteenth Station: Jesus is
Laid in the Tomb
A tomb is a memorial. It helps us
remember the one who can no longer speak. May we and our society
remember the babies who cannot speak. May we also remember Our Lord's
Resurrection, and His promise of eternal life. He has conquered
abortion because He has conquered death. May we bring His victory to
every part of our world!
Prayer of Blessing
Over Memorial for the Unborn
Father of Life and Love, we thank you
today that you have called us to share in the life of the one human
family. We thank you for all our brothers and sisters, and ask You to
deepen the bonds of love among us.
We thank you especially for our
youngest and smallest brothers and sisters, those in the womb. Today,
Oh Lord, we remember them, while so many choose to ignore and forget
them. We remember those who are living, and commend them to Your
protection. We remember those who have died and we commend them to
Your mercy.
Father, we dedicate to You this
memorial stone. We pray that it will serve as a witness to the
humanity of our youngest brothers and sisters. We pray that it will
serve as a testimony that we are responsible for them. We pray that
it will provide a place where those who have lost their children may
mourn and find comfort.
We pray, Father, that we who are the
living stones of the Church, may likewise be witnesses to the dignity
of life. Give us the grace to confront the evil of abortion and
eliminate it. May we see the day when all people who look upon this
stone will remember abortion only as a thing of the past, and may
praise You forever for the victory of life.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Pro-Life
Meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary
Joyful Mysteries
The Annunciation
Mary is troubled by the angel's
greeting, yet rejoices to do God's will. Let us pray that those who
are troubled by their pregnancy may have the grace to trust in God's
will.
The Visitation
John the Baptist leapt for joy in his
mother's womb. We pray that people may realize that abortion is not
about children who "might" come into the world, but is
about children who are already in the world, living and growing in
the womb, and are scheduled to be killed.
The Nativity
God Himself was born as a child. The
greatness of a person does not depend on size, for the newborn King
is very small. Let us pray for an end to prejudice against the tiny babies threatened by abortion.
The Presentation<
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The Child is presented in the Temple
because the Child belongs to God. Children are not the property of
their parents, nor of the government. They - and we - belong to God
Himself.
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
The boy Jesus was filled with wisdom,
because He is God. Let us pray that all people may see the wisdom of
His teachings about the dignity of life, and may understand that this
teaching is not an opinion, but the truth.
Sorrowful
Mysteries
The Agony in the Garden
Let us pray for mothers and fathers
who are in agony because they are tempted to abort a child. May they
be given the good news that there are alternatives, and may they make
use of the help that is available.
The Scourging
As Christ's flesh was torn by the
instruments of those who scourged Him, so the bodies of babies in the
womb are torn by the instruments of the abortionists. Let us pray
that abortionists may repent of these acts of child-killing.
The Crowning With Thorns
Jesus suffered the pain of thorns in
His head, and did so silently. We pray for the mothers and fathers of
aborted children. So many of them suffer deep grief and regret over a
choice they can never reverse. So many suffer in silence, because
others tell them it's no big deal.
The Carrying of the Cross
Jesus was not condemned by the power
of wicked people. He was condemned because of the silence of good
people. Silence always helps the oppressor, never the victim. Let us
pray that we may never be silent about abortion, but rather will
clearly speak up to save babies from death.
The Crucifixion
As we ponder the death of Christ, let
us remember the many women who have died from so-called "safe,
legal" abortions. Let us ask forgiveness and mercy for them. May
their memory save other women from making this tragic mistake.
Glorious
Mysteries
The Resurrection
Christ is Risen! By his Resurrection,
He has destroyed the power of death, and therefore the power of
abortion. The outcome of the battle for Life has already been
decided: Life is victorious! Let us pray that all prolifers will
spread this victory to every segment of our society.
The
Ascension
By ascending to the Father's throne,
Christ takes our human nature, given to us in the womb, to the
heights of heaven. He shows us that human beings are made to be
raised to heaven, not thrown in the garbage. Let us pray that the
world may learn this truth and reject abortion.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Advocate: He
pleads our cause, for we cannot save ourselves. We pray that He will
make us advocates for the babies, who cannot speak or write or vote
or protest or even pray.
The Assumption
The Blessed Virgin Mary was taken
body and soul into heaven because she is the Mother of God. Mother
and child are united. The Assumption reminds us that they belong
together. We pray that society will see that it cannot love women
while killing their children, and cannot save children without
helping their mothers. We pray that people will be touched by the
pro-life question, "Why can't we love them both?"
The Coronation
Mary is the Queen of the Universe.
The Church teaches that she is the greatest creature, second only to
God Himself. The Church defends the dignity of women. We pray that
people will understand that to be pro-life means to be pro-woman, and
that to be pro-woman demands that we be pro-life.
Luminous
Mysteries
On October 16, 2002, Pope John Paul
II recommended to the Christian world the addition of a new set of
Mysteries to the Rosary. Following are pro-life meditations on these
mysteries.
First Luminous Mystery: Christ is
Baptized in the Jordan
When Jesus is baptized, the Father's
voice is heard: "This is my beloved Son." All are called to
become adopted sons and daughters of God through baptism. We pray
that children in the womb may be protected, so that they may be born
and welcomed into the Christian community by baptism.
Second Luminous Mystery: Christ is
made known at the Wedding of Cana
Jesus revealed His glory by the
miracle at Cana. The new couple was blessed not only with wine, but
with faith in Christ. Let us pray for strong marriages, rooted in the
Lord, and open to the gift of new life.
Third Luminous Mystery: Christ
proclaims the Kingdom and Calls All to Conversion
"Repent and believe the Good
News." Let us pray that these first words of Jesus' public
ministry may be heard by all who have committed abortion. May they
know that the Lord calls them to conversion, and may they experience
life-giving repentance.
Fourth Luminous Mystery: The
Transfiguration
Christ is transformed on the
mountain, and the disciples see His glory. May the eyes of all people
be transformed, that they may see each and every human life as a
reflection of the glory of God Himself.
Fifth Luminous Mystery: Jesus
gives us the Eucharist
"This is My Body, given up for
you." The Eucharist teaches us how to live and how to love. Let
us pray that parents who sacrifice the babies for the sake of
themselves may learn instead to put themselves aside for the sake of
their babies.
Prayer to the Virgin Mary
O Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of us all,
we turn to you today as the one who said "Yes" to Life.
"You will conceive and bear a Son," the angel told you.
Despite the surprise and the uncertainty about how this could be, you
said yes. "Be it done unto me according to your word."
Mary, we pray today for all mothers who are
afraid to be mothers. We pray for those who feel threatened and
overwhelmed by their pregnancy. Intercede for them, that God may give
them the grace to say yes and the courage to go on. May they have the
grace to reject the false solution of abortion. May they say with
you, "Be it done unto me according to your word." May they
experience the help of Christian people, and know the peace that
comes from doing God's will. Amen.
Litany in Response to Abortion
By Fr. Frank Pavone
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father, Creator of the world, have
mercy on us.
RESPONSE: Have mercy on us!
God the Son, through whom all things were made,
God the Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life,
Lord Jesus, the Beginning and the End,
Lord Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life,
Lord Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life,
Lord Jesus, Eternal Word of Life,
Lord Jesus, living in the womb of the Virgin Mary,
Lord Jesus, Lover of the poor and weak,
Lord Jesus, Defender of the helpless,
Lord Jesus, Bread of Life,
For every sin against life,
For the sin of abortion,
For the daily killing of innocent babies,
For the bloodshed throughout our land,
For the silent screams of Your children,
For the killing of Your future disciples,
For the exploitation of women by abortion,
For the silence of Your people,
For the apathy of Your people,
For the
cooperation of Your people in this tragedy,
For our pre-born brothers and sisters killed
by abortion,
RESPONSE: Lord, hear our prayer.
For our pre-born brothers and sisters
threatened by abortion,
For our brothers and sisters who have
survived abortion,
For mothers who have had abortions,
For mothers tempted to have abortions,
For mothers pressured to have abortions,
For mothers who have refused to have abortions,
For the fathers of aborted babies,
For the families of aborted babies,
For the families of those tempted to have abortions
For abortionists,
For all who assist and cooperate in abortions,
For doctors and nurses, that they may nurture
life,
For government leaders, that they may defend life,
For the clergy, that they may speak up for life,
For the pro-life movement,
For those who speak, write, and work to end
abortion,
For those who help provide alternatives to
abortion
For those who promote adoption,
For national and local pro-life groups,
For unity in the pro-life movement,
For courage and perseverance in pro-life work,
For those who suffer ridicule and rejection
for their stand for life,
For those imprisoned for defending life,
For those who have been injured and
mistreated for defending life,
For legal professionals,
For courts and judges,
For police officers,
For educators,
For media professionals,
In thanksgiving for the babies saved from abortion,
In thanksgiving for the mothers saved and
healed from abortion,
In thanksgiving for the former abortion
providers who have become pro-life,
In thanksgiving for all those who take a
stand against abortion,
In thanksgiving for the call to be part of
the pro-life movement,
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the
world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the
world, graciously hear us,
O Lord, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins
of the world, have mercy on us.
Let us Pray
Almighty and ever-living God, You have
created all things through Your Son Jesus Christ. He trampled the
power of death by His Paschal Mystery. May all who acknowledge You
promote the sacredness of life and always serve You faithfully,
through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pro-Life Examination of Conscience
Questions to help me defend life more
effectively
Am I fully convinced that abortion is the
destruction of an innocent human life which has the same value as my
life, my parents' lives, my children's lives? Do I foster and nourish
this conviction by reflecting often on the tragic loss of life
occurring daily around me? Do I ever allow myself the thought that
abortion does not really concern me and that I have "more
important" things to do? Do I believe I am responsible for my
pre-born brothers and sisters, and accountable to God for what I do
to save them?
Do I pray daily explicitly for an end to
abortion? Do I pray for the babies, the mothers, the abortionists,
the legislators, the media, the clergy, and the whole pro-life
movement? Do I fast or make other sacrifices I can really feel? Or do
I believe the fight against abortion can be easy? Do I try to make it
easy and convenient? Do I take shortcuts in my pro-life commitment?
Do I try to come up with new ideas for
pro-life work? Do I suggest these ideas to others or just forget
about them? Do I give financially to the cause even when it hurts? Is
financial loss on my part worth the life of a child?
Do I have faith that God is the Lord of Life?
Do I believe the whole struggle is in His hands? Am I willing to give
more time to this cause and cut out other activities which are less
urgent than life and death? Do I trust Him! Do I ask His guidance? Do
I keep my eyes on Him, or do I allow discouragement in by focusing
only on the problem and myself?
Am I learning more about the issues
surrounding abortion and about the pro-life movement? Do I read good
pro-life books? Do I subscribe to at least one
pro-life publication so that I can be well informed on the issue? Do
I escape from taking action by thinking that prayer alone is enough?
Do I see pro-life work as a work of love for people who are in need,
or is it just an "issue" or a "project" to me?
Do I speak up about pro-life? Do I make full
use of the opportunities I have, such as wearing pins or using bumper
stickers or decals? Do I write letters to the paper or to legislators
or to doctors? Or do I allow my lack of self-confidence to paralyze
my activity? Do I only do what's comfortable, or do I try to expand
my skills? Do I develop my talents, whatever they may be for the
pro-life cause? Are my efforts genuine and generous? Do I take proper
care of myself, physically and spiritually, so that I can be more
effective in my pro-life work? Do I rest when I need to?
Do I gladly participate in projects that need
to be done, even if I don't particularly want to? Do I foster unity
in the movement? Do I encourage my fellow
pro-lifers? Are all of my efforts guided by charity? Do I allow
unhealthy competition between pro-life persons or groups to begin or
continue? Do I follow the advice or direction of those who bear
responsibility for pro-life projects or groups, so as to make their
task easier? Do I seek the advice and input of those more experienced
in pro-life work?
Do I try to grow in compassion
for women who are tempted to have abortions or who have had them in
the past? Do I try to understand their situation and learn more about
their needs? Do I help women find alternatives to abortion? Do I
inspire hope in women I know who have had abortions? Do I help them
find forgiveness and healing?
Am I ready from this day forward to be a
better pro-lifer? Am I ready to launch out with new strength,
generosity, and determination to bring an end to abortion, without
counting the cost to myself? Am I grateful enough for the gift of
life to work to give life to others? Do I thank God for the privilege
of being part of the pro-life movement?
Pledge of Re-commitment
I thank God today for the gift of my life,
And for the lives of my brothers and sisters.
I know I am responsible for the unborn who
cannot speak for themselves.
I know that the most serious tragedy of our
day is the tragedy of abortion.
Today I commit myself,
never to be silent,
never to be passive,
never to be forgetful of the unborn.
I commit myself to be active in the pro-life
movement
And never to stop defending life
Until all my brothers and sisters are protected,
And our nation once again becomes
A nation with liberty and justice
Not just for some, but for all. Amen!