New prayer book designed for demographic most targeted for abortion
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Day, Bishop Robert Barron’s publishing company, Word on Fire, is set to release a groundbreaking new book that is specifically tailored to help adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities to pray. The book, titled “Let Us Pray: Catholic Prayers for All Abilities,” is authored by Mark Bradford, a passionate advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Individuals with Down syndrome are unfortunately at a higher risk of being targeted for abortion. Shockingly, between 67 and 87 percent of babies prenatally diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted, as reported by a study published by the NIH. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for resources that cater to the spiritual needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“Let Us Pray” is a prayer book like no other, featuring simplified traditional prayers, large print for enhanced readability, and an accessible font designed to assist those with dyslexia and other reading challenges. With an estimated 250,000 individuals with Down syndrome in the United States alone, and millions more with varying intellectual challenges, there has been a significant gap in resources tailored to their specific needs – until now.
Louisville Archbishop Edward Kurtz, who grew up with a brother with Down syndrome, commended the book as a “beautiful gift” for individuals who yearn to deepen their faith but lack the means to do so. The foreword penned by Archbishop Kurtz emphasizes the universal nature of prayer, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in spiritual practices.
Inspiration for the book struck Mark Bradford when he witnessed his 20-year-old son, Thomas Augustine, who has Down syndrome, struggling to use a prayer book with illustrations meant for young children. Determined to fill this void, Bradford created “Let Us Pray” to provide a meaningful resource that encourages adults with disabilities to cultivate a habit of prayer using a book tailored to their unique needs.
The book’s visually striking imagery, easy-to-read text, and engaging layout are designed to assist individuals with learning challenges in forming a regular prayer routine. Even the typeset chosen for the prayers is a specialized font crafted by a typographer in Holland to support dyslexic readers.
“Let Us Pray” comprises four main sections: “Making a Habit of Prayer,” “Getting More Involved at Sunday Mass,” “Devotions,” and “Prayers for Special Times,” which includes prayers for life’s purpose and coping with loss. Additionally, the book features a section on “Prayers to End Abortion,” acknowledging the heartbreaking reality that many babies with Down syndrome are terminated due to their disability.
Despite the stigma often associated with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, “Let Us Pray” aims to convey the message that every individual, regardless of their abilities, is called to a relationship with God. Through the power of prayer, those with intellectual disabilities can experience a profound connection with their creator and cultivate a rich spiritual life.
In a world where individuals with intellectual disabilities are often overlooked and marginalized, “Let Us Pray” stands as a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment. By providing a resource that honors the spiritual needs of individuals with disabilities, the book serves as a testament to the inherent dignity and worth of every human person.
“Let Us Pray: Catholic Prayers for All Abilities” is a testament to the power of prayer and the inherent dignity of every individual, regardless of their abilities. It is a vital resource that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to deepen their faith and cultivate a meaningful relationship with their creator through prayer.
