Be fair to the poor
and to orphans.
Defend the helpless
and everyone in need.
Rescue the weak and homeless
from the powerful hands
of heartless people.
Psalm 82:3–4 (CEV)
Gracious and loving God,
Give us knowledge, resources, training and wisdom to recognise that domestic abuse takes
many forms.
Guide us to be attentive to the signs of abuse,
to understand the dynamics of abuse,
and to be swift to hear and safely act.
Grant us justice in our cause, informed by evidence and good practice, and enlightened by
your truth.
Jesus, shepherd and redeemer,
You know how it feels to be betrayed,
to be lied to by someone close to you,
to be abused, harmed and wronged by someone who claimed to love you.
Join to your own suffering and redeeming work, the women and children, poor and orphans,
helpless and homeless, who face domestic and family violence.
Holy Spirit, helper and gift of God,
Change your churches and communities to be places of refuge and wholeness
where gender equality is fostered and domestic abuse is prevented.
Transform your people, heal the wounds of our bodies, minds and spirits.
We pray this, faithfully and urgently, in your name.
Amen.
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Written by Erin Martine Hutton as part of the 16 Days of Prayer and Activism against Gender-Based Violence (2023)