Prayer for the abused

Lord Jesus, today we pray for those among us who have faced emotional, sexual or physical abuse.

Children who have been tortured, women who have had their dignity stripped off and men who have been insulted – we bring them to Your throne.

Almighty God, keep us safe in all our relationships. Let people be able to discern any abuse that may exist, so that they can learn to care for themselves, with Your help.

God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just, You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross.

Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to Your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.

Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by Your truth.

Let those who are abusing others acknowledge that they are harming innocents, learn to abhor their own behaviour, apologise sincerely, come to true repentance and make amends in their lives.

Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.

When our vulnerable brethren suffer, Lord, surround them with Your angels. May Your love bring healing – the kind that only Your Holy Spirit can give us.

Give us the courage and Your strength to stand against violence inflicted upon any of Your precious people.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Amen.