PRAYER & REFLECTION FOR DAY OF PRAYER FOR VICTIMS/SURVIVORS OF ABUSE
[1] A LITANY – can be used in place of intercessions
We invite him to accompany us as we pray:
R. Stay with us, Lord. Stay with us, Lord,
Stay with us, Lord. Your presence calms our fears.
When trust is fragile.
When voices go unheard.
When we are unable to pray.
R. Stay with us, Lord. Stay with us, Lord,
Stay with us, Lord. Your presence calms our fears.
When suffering is endured. When memories are reawakened. When we feel betrayed.
R. Stay with us, Lord. Stay with us, Lord,
Stay with us, Lord. Your presence calms our fears.
When darkness weighs upon us. When we cannot see you.
When burdens feel too heavy.
R. Stay with us, Lord. Stay with us, Lord,
Stay with us, Lord. Your presence calms our fears.
When hope seems faint.
When we are weak.
When faith seems difficult.
R. Stay with us, Lord. Stay with us, Lord,
Stay with us, Lord. Your presence calms our fears.
[2] A PRAYER TO BE SAID TOGETHER POSSIBLY AFTER COMMUNION
God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
you gave your only Son
to save us by the blood of his 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 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.
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 labours. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
[3] A PRAYER FOR HEALING AND RECONCILIATION
Praise to you Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the source of all consolation and hope.
Be the refuge and guardian of all
who suffer from abuse and violence.
Comfort them and send healing
for their wounds of the body, soul and spirit.
Help us all and make us one with you
in your love for justice
as we deepen our respect for the dignity of every human life.
Giver of peace, make us one in celebrating your praise, both now and forever.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
“Jesus made the crowds welcome and talked to them about the kingdom of God; and he cured those who were in need of healing.”
(This prayer was prepared by Northampton Diocese)