2013 Prayer Calendar - October

October 2013 - Health and Science

"... a large number of the most eminent scientists of all time, right down to the present, have been believers, often moved or at least reinforced in their belief by their own scientific discoveries. Therefore belief in God is reasonable. It is not just for the unenlightened and ignorant."
(Fr. John Flader on "Atheism and science" in Catholic Weekly, 22 April 2012 - Read the full article)

This century's Science and Health has chosen to ignore the clear need for appreciation of God as the creator of the physical universe, or deny that God is interested in it, or think of God as being a non-sentient entity. Modern and post-modern wisdom reclassifies God as being either non-existent (Man is a God), or a mind-less 'force' that the adept can draw upon for healing and wisdom (Man can be a God). Both points of view suggest an attitude that humans can set their own laws, and resist any other points of view as being 'uninformed' and even dangerous (to them).

The most confronting fruit of this Godlessness though is the blatant anti-life agendas that have been emerging, ranging from 'Save the Earth' movements, to the equalisation of people and animals (helped along by proliferate animation and print media), to wilful blindness of the mass-murder of millions of humans in pogroms in developing countries and unborn children in developed countries. Proponents of these programs often claim they contribute at some level to the benefit of man-kind (or at least quality of life for the more fortunate), but all fail to acknowledge and be accountable to the creator of life and His purposes; made clear by His living among us, and then being crucified and rising from the dead in order for us to be restored in relationship to Him.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. [Matt 10:28-31]

Every human life is of equal value to God: He tries by whatever means necessary to draw us back to Him because He loves us and does not want to lose any of us. One of the ways He has demonstrated His love is in the incredibly balanced and intricate universe: macro and micro. Those who look closely at it to discover its secrets may first worship the creation rather than the Creator, but if they have a truly open mind, they will see miracles of 'intelligent design' and seek the Designer for inspiration.

Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. [Matt 10:32-33]

Biblical verses

Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades? Can you loosen Orion's belt? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs?
Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God's dominion over the earth?
Can you raise your voice to the clouds and cover yourself with a flood of water?
Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, 'Here we are'?
Who gives the ibis wisdom or gives the rooster understanding?
[Job 38:31-36]

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. [Ps 19:1-2]

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. [Jer 33:3]

Lord, by such things men live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live. [Isa 38:16]

And the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. [Luke 6:19]

Prayer Points

  • A wave of pro-life and pro-Christian attitudes in the health and science community, particularly dismissal of the 'right-to-die' and population reduction campaigns in their various overt and deceptive incarnations
  • Significant scientists and health professionals to encounter Christ in a life-changing way and to have the courage to speak out about their experiences
  • De-stigmatisation and support for scientists who propose alternative views of the universe, particularly those who are persecuted for mentioning 'intelligent design': i.e. restoration to pure science which seeks answers and is not biased
  • A change of heart in those responsible for research funding to work together on projects that will benefit the planet, such as improved low-cost power sources (e.g. solar, tidal, geothermic and ultimately, fusion) and less polluting commuting and comfort technologies (e.g. thermal exchange, improved insulation, networked communities)
  • Management and policy making for hospital and health services (Government and Private) that is incorruptible, has integrity, and keeps the needs of the patient central
  • Doctors and nurses, ancillary heath and social workers - for compassionate care, Godly ethics, and a desire for excellence
  • Patients in Hospitals and Respite facilities
  • Kids & Families who are suffering from health issues
  • Sight & Hearing health services
  • Maternal and Child Health Care
  • People with obesity and eating disorders, and their carers and those treating them
  • Improvement in Aboriginal Health
  • Palliative Care facilities and staff, and for the calling of and freedom for Christians to minister in this field
  • Infectious Diseases/Pandemic planning authorities and treatment bodies
  • Transport for Patents, Practitioners, Medications and Organs (e.g. Ambulance, Flying Doctor Service, Community Transport)
  • Mental disease and disorder care and treatment
  • Christian healing centres and communities: to be led by the Holy Spirit, protected from the enemy of God, and giving glory to Christ
  • The abandonment of Abortion and Abortion Clinics as a solution to unwanted pregnancies, and a shift of funding and favour to pregnancy and mother support, and fostering and adoption services, including improvements in processes for adoption, and a restoration of the status of motherhood (as well as fatherhood) as a top role in our society

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