Last week CNN ran an extraordinary report called "Abortion support falls sharply, new research finds." In it they cite a new Pew study released last week that strongly reinforces research that emerged at the beginning of the summer showing that the majority of Americans have switched from being pro-choice to being pro-life. This dramatic shift in public opinion marks a turning point in the nation and the abortion debate. Intrigued by this unexpected turn, Pew Research conducted a more in-depth study and released a six-page report breaking down the pro-life shift in detail.

THE RESEARCH


At the end of April 2008 Bound4LIFE mobilized "The Mercy Seat." 6,200 participated in praying at every Supreme Court in every state on the same day at the same time. Following that one day event, they organized teams to stand in silent prayer in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in DC around the clock 24/7 for four months straight. They called that the "Rizpah Stand." We were shocked when GALLUP then released a study this summer (one year later) showing that the sharp turn in public opinion coincided with those events, and we do not think it's a coincidence.

Pew's new study says, "No single reason for the shift in opinions is apparent." No doubt many factors are involved, but I believe that focused prayer and fasting are the source of the dramatic shift and the momentum we now see taking place in the nation. The shift can be seen in nearly every facet of society, but it also clearly highlights the need for more prayer.

“There was a drop seen in many, many demographics: men and women, people with a college degree and those with less education, people with various religious backgrounds," The only groups whose opinions on abortion did not change were African-Americans -- who tend to oppose it -- and young people and those not affiliated with any particular religion, who tend to say it should be legal, Gregory Smith said. "Beyond that, this movement [was] across the board.”

CONCENTRATION OF FORCE


Bound4LIFE is based on the belief in long-term, sustained prayer that does not stop. But there is also a time for a focused "concentration of force." Nehemiah had everyone build the wall in front of his own house, but in times of great threat he also said, "The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us." (Ne 4:19-20) The accumulation of ongoing prayer is bringing forth fruit in this shift of public opinion. Yet at the same time we are seeing some of the greatest threats to the preborn dreams of God and people of conscience since Roe v Wade. The Health Care Reform debate rages on, and Congress continues to block efforts that codify the Hyde Amendment and provide conscience protection for health care workers. All this is in spite of the new shift in public opinion and the fact that President Obama promised that there would be "no government funding of abortion." At the center of the health care debate is Planned Parenthood working feverishly to ensure their own survival by laying hold of government funding.

Clearly the spiritual forces of darkness behind this culture of death are working desperately to resist this recent pro-life shift in America. But I believe abortion's days are numbered, and I am greatly heartened by what the statistics are showing. Prayer works. Prayer is powerful. Prayer is mighty to pull down dark strongholds.

Check out Bound4LIFE International's video: The Numbers Don't Lie: