Forty days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion combined with peaceful vigils at abortion facilities and educational outreach are planned at three area locations as part of a nationwide campaign from Sept. 26 to Nov. 4, and now is the time to plan involvement.

A kick-off rally for Peoria’s fifth “40 Days for Life” campaign will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at St. Paul Baptist Church, 114 W. Forrest Hill Ave. The keynote speaker will be Cal Richner, pastor of Northwoods Church in Peoria. Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, will give closing comments and the final prayer.

Peoria organizers are inviting churches to sign up for one day of the 40-day vigil — or share a day with another congregation — and fill up at least the 12 hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the prayer vigil site, 7405 N. University Ave. That is the location of National Health Care, Peoria’s abortion facility.

So far 10 days have been covered in that way, according to Karen Guth. Parishes and individuals wanting more information are invited to contact her at (309) 453-7493, or by email at godshelperkaren@gmail.com.

In Champaign, a peaceful vigil is planned at Planned Parenthood of East Central Illinois, 302 E. Stoughton. Email 40days@prolife.com for more information.

Participants from throughout the Quad Cities are invited to join the prayer vigil on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood, 2751 Tech Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa. To sign up, contact Jeanne Wonio at woniojeanne@gmail.com or call (563) 355-4188.

More than 200 cities are expected to take part in the campaign, according to the organization’s website, 40 Days for Life.