40 Days for Life Austin – Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we stand at the prayer vigil and where do we park?
Click on this link for a detailed list of where the prayer vigils take place and where you can park.
Do we have to sign up?
Please do, if you can! If you are unable to commit to a regular prayer hour, you’re still welcome to join the vigil at any time. We do ask that you sign a Statement of Peace and take a copy of the Guidelines when you come. If you’d like to be available to substitute for scheduled vigil participants, sign up here!
What hours of the day can I go to the vigil?
The vigil runs from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm every day from September 23 – November 1. You’re welcome to come by any time during these hours.
What does fasting entail?
For the purposes of this vigil, we ask that participants abstain from something they would normally enjoy in the course of their everyday life. This does not necessarily have to be food. Previous participants have sacrificed TV time, time spent surfing the internet, or some other recreational pursuit in order to focus more intently on prayer for the unborn. For those who choose to fast deeply in the area of food (bread and water fasts, juice fasts, skipping meals, etc.), we ask that you please consult a doctor first. Just remember that fasting is meant to help us subordinate the desires of the flesh to the will of the Spirit in addition to being a physical sign of our solidarity with the unborn in their hour of need. Ask the Holy Spirit’s guidance to help you choose a fast that will encourage spiritual growth and authentic witness without being too burdensome to realistically maintain.
What signs are appropriate to hold while keeping vigil?
Pre-made signs are available at the vigil site for your use. 40 Days for Life does not allow the use of graphic pictures or negative language at the vigil site. Experienced sidewalk counselors report that signs of this nature often thwart their efforts to connect with abortion-minded women entering the facility. Explicit pictures are a powerful tool for shining a light on the horror and injustice of abortion, and their use is appropriate in many settings (for instance in the courageous college ministry of Justice for All. However, at abortion facilities their presence tends to be counter-productive.
Do I have to pray silently?
While silent prayer makes it easier for the Sidewalk Counselors to reach out to women entering the abortion facility, you can pray aloud. Singing and praying aloud together are all allowed as long as you are at a distance from where the Sidewalk Counselor is speaking. Also, please keep in mind those who are praying silently. Please do not chant slogans or sing protest songs. Prayerful Bible reading is also recommended.
If it rains, snows, floods, or gets really cold does the prayer vigil continue?
Definitely. Our commitment to keep vigil in these circumstances is a powerful witness to the people driving by and to the women who come to the facility. Besides, if our brothers and sisters in Canada and New England can endure around-the-clock freezing temperatures during their vigils, we can handle the occasional rainy cold front. Offer it up, and unite your suffering to those of Christ on the cross!
The only exception to this policy is in case of tornado activity. If there is a tornado warning in the area, please seek shelter.
Do I need to sign in?
Please do! This helps the coordinators see where to direct extra resources to keep the vigil going strong all day.
Do I need to sing a Statement of Peace each time?
Nope. Just once is enough.
What is in the box?
In the box you will find:
1) Scheduled participant sign-in binder
2) Guest sign-in sheet
3) A clip-board with Statements of Peace
4) A clip-board with Vigil Guidelines
5) Umbrellas
6) Ponchos
7) Sunscreen
8) The Small Box:
a. Rosaries and other prayer aids
b. Brochure packets for sidewalk counselor use
c. 40 Days for Life bumper stickers and fliers for interested passers-by
Can I bring children to the prayer vigil?
Absolutely! Families praying together at the vigil site are a wonderful testimony to the power of the culture of life. Just please make sure they stay well away from the road!