Focus for Day 6:
Praying that Men and boys may see women and girls as their equals.
“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”
While there is no single cause of violence against women, research and evidence tell us that the key drivers of violence against women are gender inequality, gender stereotyping, and a broader culture of violence. Gender inequality is the core of the problem, and it is the heart of the solution.
Peace be with you.
Here are the prayers for today. As we light the Sixth Candle today, we pray that men may become more aware of the damages their domestic violence does on women and girls.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Lord, today we thank you for the men and boys who are already drivers of cultural change needed to prevent domestic and family violence in our communities. We ask that you continue to give these peacemakers wisdom, humility, and understanding in their roles as leaders, supporters, counselors, and advocates. We ask, Lord, that you would continue to raise up more men and boys to take a stand against aggressive and disrespectful attitudes and behaviors. We pray that championing the safety of women and children, and embodying gentle, respectful relationships will become a priority for all men, everywhere. 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 and mercy and 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 and 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 which 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.
