Prayer Concerning the Increasing Infant Mortality Rate in our City
Did you know that parts of Houston have Third World Infant Mortality Rates? As a nation, the infant mortality rate declined by 10% between 1995 and 2004: however, since 2000, the trend has reversed for Harris County. The U.S. ranks 29th in the world on infant mortality – tied with Poland and Slovakia, and behind Cuba.
Prayer Targets for Day Three:
1. Pray that our city would understand God’s heart for each precious infant, Psalm 139:13-18.
2. Pray that God would raise up more leaders to champion the cause of infants, Psalms 82:3.
Prayer:
God and giver of life, we praise and worship You today. We thank You that Your Word says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. You have not only given us life and breath, You created us with a special plan and purpose in mind. Thank You for providing mercy and grace every day - for the gift of eternal life and abundant life through Jesus Christ.
As we are blessed with many resources and equipped with the largest Medical Center in the world, we are deeply troubled by the steep rise in infant mortality among mothers in our city. We turn to You, Lord, for wisdom and discernment as we search for ways to reverse this trend. Come Holy Spirit! Show us what is needed to protect and bless the lives of all children at every stage of development.
We thank You for the people and programs You have provided in our communities and pray that You would encourage, bless and multiply their efforts.
Lord, grant grace and insight to uncover the social issues and injustices that must be addressed to create significant change in infant mortality in our city. As Creator and Sustainer of life, we ask You to address the environmental issues that affect life in the womb. Where human hands leave off and fall short of needed remedies, we ask that Your mighty Hand would intervene.
Forgive us for our slowness to see and understand this urgent need impacting families in our city. Help us to multiply awareness in our city so that new doors will open where mothers can find reliable prenatal care for their children. Continue to create in our lives - Mission Houston
