# Novena for Faithful Citizenship – Day Four
*2008-10-15*

> Bill Young reflects on Deuteronomy 30:15‑20, asking how we can defend the right to life for the unborn and the dying, and offers a prayer for protection of human life.

## Opening Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.
Come, Holy Spirit, kindle in our hearts the fire of your love.

## Scripture Reading

Deuteronomy 30:15‑20 (NRSV):
Moses said to the people, “I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and disaster. Choose life, that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, holding fast to him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of streams, springs, and deep waters, a land of wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil, and honey. The Lord your God will bless you in all the work of your hands, and you will be a people of great abundance, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I am commanding you today.”

## Reflection

How do I defend the right to life, especially of the unborn and those who are near death? How am I tempted to turn away from the Commandments and neglect the right to life of all people? I ask the Holy Spirit to give me the courage and wisdom to overcome that temptation, so that I may stand firm for every human life.

## Prayer for the Sanctity of Life

God of life, may we protect and defend the inviolable sanctity of human life—from the moment of conception until natural death—with strong voices, gentle hands, and loving hearts. Amen.

## Novena Prayer

Help us to conquer the menace of evil that so easily takes root in the hearts of people today, weighing down our world and blocking the path to a hopeful future. Deliver us from famine, war, nuclear devastation, and all forms of self‑destruction. Deliver us from sins against human life from its very beginning, from hatred, from the denial of the dignity of every child of God, and from every injustice in society, both national and international. Guard us against the readiness to trample God’s Commandments and against attempts to sow falsehood in human hearts. Preserve our awareness of good and evil and protect us from sins against the Holy Spirit. Mother of Christ, you who bear the suffering of all individuals and of whole societies, intercede for us. With the power of the Holy Spirit, conquer all sin—both personal and communal. May the infinite saving power of redemption and merciful love put a stop to evil, transform consciousness, and reveal anew the immaculate heart of Christ for all.

*Choosing life means defending the dignity of every human person, from conception to natural death.*