National Day of Prayer, Infertility, & Consistent Prayer

Today is the National Day of Prayer. Christians will gather across the United States to pray for our nation. The Committee leading the national event says the day is a culmination of radio commercials that have reached 11 million people and TV commercials that have reached more than 40 million people.

An event on Thursday evening in Washington, D.C. will call on and lead Christians to pray for the areas of government, military, media, business, education, church and family.

Traci Newell had plans when she married her husband, Mark. In particular, the couple wanted children. Those plans came to fruition but took a path different from most.

However, it wasn’t a path different from many.

“We experienced years of unexplained infertility,” she said. “We were going to go through private adoption. The birth mother lived in our home during the pregnancy and I took her to doctor appointments. However, about six weeks before the baby was born, she changed her mind.”

A period of grieving followed that, she added. But it also planted in her heart the desire to work with birth moms in adoption and foster care situations. The Newells went on to become foster parents and then adoptive parents to two girls. Today, Traci works with Lifeline Children’s Services as its national program director for Families Count, which focuses on family restoration and preservation for parents seeking to be reunited with their children.

The National Infertility Association says 7.3 million Americans are currently facing infertility.

The pain of infertility led Newell into a ministry of helping children and parents find each other, whether through reunification or adoption. “The Lord can use our greatest sorrows to create a desire to reach out to those who are hurting,” she explained.

Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs

Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.

In a recent Lifeway Research study, over 70 percent of pastors say they need consistency in personal prayer. It’s obvious pastors understand the importance of personal prayer in ministry. But what about the pastors who have lost their zeal for ministry and are simply going through the motions each day? How can they pray when they’re burned out?
Thankfully, the Bible is our guide for all of life and has something to say about it.

In Psalm 142, God’s people are called to acknowledge the reality of burnout.

In Psalm 23, they’re called to go back to the basics to receive the Lord’s provision.

Back in Psalm 142, God’s people are reminded they should be honest with God.

And, in the piece on Baptist Press, Drake Caudill says God’s people should remember they are not alone.

Find more stories at BaptistPress.com.