Elimination of Violence: A Prayer for Peace
“It is the put-downs, name-calling, insults, belittling, and critical statements that have the most serious and long-lasting effect on self-esteem as these messages keep repeating in the victim’s mind, years after the bruises have healed.”
Peace be with you 🙏.
As we light the third candle today, we pray for the elimination of violence of all sorts, especially violence connected to customs and belief.
Prayer:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, give us eyes to see and ears to hear the many different ways in which domestic and family violence is carried out against women and children in our communities. Thank you that you see and you hear. Thank you that you keep a record of the tossing and the tears. Give us understanding and keep us vigilant to recognize those who need assistance, knowing that violence does not always involve physical scarring and bruising.
Give counselors and pastoral care workers understanding and wisdom as they offer support in these painful circumstances. Amen 🙏
Lord’s Prayer for Domestic and Family Violence:
Our Father in heaven,
You are a good Father, who loves to give good gifts and who cares for us.
Hallowed be your name.
May you be known as a God of justice, mercy, compassion, and truth, by victims and perpetrators of domestic and family violence.
Your kingdom come.
Bring the full resources of the kingdom for victims and perpetrators of domestic and family violence. Your kingdom upends oppressive powers and exalts the humble and low, brings healing to the wounded, and goes beyond outward appearance and reaches to the heart. Your kingdom brings together people of every culture, tongue, and tribe in equality, grace, and hope.
Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
We trust in your perfect will. Because you are completely good, we trust in the goodness of your will.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Father, we have many needs. Please give us the support we need to escape situations of violence. Please give us the compassion and wisdom to be supporters. Please give us hope through your gospel.
Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
God, we ask for your forgiveness over our complicity, our apathy, or our involvement in domestic and family violence. God, please give us grace to forgive.
Lead us not into temptation.
We are tempted to give up or despair. Lead us away from that, into perseverance and hope. We are tempted to maintain cultures and habits that oppress and control. Lead us away from that, into respect and freedom.
And deliver us from evil.
You have conquered all evil – all that is wrong within us and without. There is no power that can stand against you. Please give freedom, healing, and protection to all who need it.
Amen.
