Many Aussie Anglicans observed Domestic Violence Sunday in May, the Sydney variety is observing it at the end of November. Whatever your branch of Christianity, here are some prayers that might help you pray about this very important topic. One woman was killed every 8 days, and one man was killed every 41 days by an intimate partner on average in 2023–24, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The Commonwealth government defines “Any behaviour that’s violent, threatening, controlling or intended to make you or your family feel scared and unsafe can be considered family and domestic violence.”
The international 16 Days of Activism for Gender-Based Violence began this week on Nov 25. Common Grace Resources are here.
A prayer for survivors and campaigners
From Common Grace and Church in Wales
Compassionate God, your Son wept over the city of Jerusalem;
we pray for all those who suffer any kind of domestic violence and exploitation.
May our churches reflect the love of our Lord Jesus to those who have experienced
this kind of suffering. May we be messengers of hope and love, and offer ongoing
care and support in any way that we can. We thank you for meaningful campaigns
aimed at speaking out against domestic violence, and we pray for all who seek to
find healing and hope after trauma. Create in us new hearts, O Lord, renew our
spirits, and help us to know how to best work for the healing of your kingdom,
through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.
A prayer for survivors of domestic violence
from Sydney Anglicans:
Loving God,
Today, we acknowledge with sorrow the harm many experience because of domestic abuse. We grieve that although you created us for loving relationships, our relationships can be distorted and dishonoured through the sin of violence.
We pray for women, children and men who suffer as a result of experiencing violence in their own homes. Please bring healing and hope to these victim-survivors of domestic abuse.
We pray for those who perpetrate violence against their spouses and children. We ask they will cease to cause harm to those they are supposed to love and protect and will instead repent of their sin, and seek to be restored to faithful living under Christ.
Father, help our churches be safe havens for those who have experienced violence and abuse, where they can find comfort and healing in a loving community ruled by you, our just and merciful God.
Father, we long for the day of Jesus’ return and that heavenly home where we will dwell with you, in true safety, without fear, in loving relationship with you and one another.
Amen.
A blessing supporting those who campaign against Domestic violence
International Anglican Women’s Network (from the Anglican Church of Australia)
God bless you
with insight to recognise violence in all its forms,
and courage to name it,
speaking out for justice. Amen.
The Lord Jesus bless you
with compassion for the vulnerable,
and grace to stand with them,
sharing his strength. Amen.
The Holy Spirit bless you
with a prayerful heart
and power to breathe peace,
transforming the world. Amen.
The blessing of the holy and glorious Trinity,
eternal Wisdom,
living Word,
abiding Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
A Prayer to End Domestic and Family Violence
Catholic Social Services Victoria
Loving God,
We thank you for inviting us to work to end domestic and family violence in our community.
We ask for your wisdom and guidance.
We pray for constancy in seeking a society where all people are safe in their homes, families and close relationships, and where all relationships respect the equality and dignity of each person.
We pray for all those affected by violence, that they may find safety and healing.
We pray that all women and children will find a place and life free from violence, and that children will be cared for in nurturing, protective and supportive ways.
We pray for young men that they may find models of respectful relationships, and reject the violent and demeaning images of manhood current in our society.
We ask for the courage to confront the causes of family violence, including the prevalence of violence in society, abuse of power and the unequal position of women in the community.
We pray for right and just relations between all people, so that together we may transform and overcome violence in all its forms.
We long for the time you have promised, when violence is banished,
Women and men are open to love and to be loved, children are
protected, and the work and wealth of our world are justly shared.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen
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