Dear Heavenly God,
Creator of the stars and the seas;
And in your love, each of us have been knitted together in the wombs of our mothers; each of us have been wonderfully made.
We gather before you today in heartache and hope.
Lord, our hearts break for what breaks yours —
a world where women and girls are abused, controlled, afraid, silenced and experience violence.
But we hope for what is possible when your people come together —
to listen deeply, to speak truth,
and to pursue goodness, justice, and mercy.
Thank you for this sacred time together —
for the opportunity, over these next two days,
to share stories, learn from one another,
and be equipped and renewed in faith and hope.
Strengthen us to be people who seek the safety, freedom, and flourishing of all.
May this gathering stir our hearts and minds,
reminding us of your great love for the cosmos - your great love for all people.
Remind us that we — your Church —
are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus,
bringing light into the deepest places of pain.
And so - we cry out for change.
We long for the day when your Church is known as a place of refuge and restoration —
where violence is no longer hidden, excused, or ignored,
but named, confronted, and transformed in the light of your love.
Empower us to be part of building churches and communities
where women and children are safe, honoured, and free.
Give us courage to call out injustice —
to speak up when it would be easier to stay silent,
to disrupt systems and attitudes that enable abuse,
and to stand boldly with those who have been silenced.
Shape us into people of conviction and compassion,
who follow the path of Jesus,
even when it costs us comfort or certainty.
Today, we give thanks for the women and victim-survivors among us —
for their courage, resilience, and wisdom.
We honour their stories and hold space with deep respect.
May this conference be a place of safety and nurture,
of deep support and encouragement.
And when these days come to a close —
when we return to our churches, homes, and neighbourhoods —
God, equip us for action.
Let what we learn and hear take root.
Let it transform our hearts, shape our ministries,
and compel us into lives of advocacy and care.
Make us people who interrupt violence with love,
who confront injustice with truth,
and who walk humbly, yet boldly, in your Spirit.
In all things, may we be guided by your love,
shaped by your grace, and moved to action by your Spirit.
Amen.
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Prayer written by Ellaina Welsman, Common Grace's Community Engagement Manager and Domestic and Family Violence Justice Coordinator, for the 2025 Faith, Hope and Love Conference: a faithful church response to Domestic and Family Violence.