A Prayer for Women Against Violence Sunday

Loving and merciful God,

We come before You with heavy hearts, carrying the pain of countless women and girls who have suffered in silence and in fear.

You see their tears, hear their cries, and know their wounds - both visible and hidden.

We pray for healing, Lord - for those whose bodies have been harmed,
whose spirits have been broken,
whose voices have been silenced.

Wrap them in Your love and restore their strength.

Let them know they are not alone, not forgotten, and never to blame.

We pray for justice - for the courage of survivors to speak,
for wisdom and compassion in those who listen,
for accountability for those who harm,
and for systems that protect rather than neglect.

We pray for transformation - that hearts hardened by anger or ignorance
be softened with understanding and grace.

Change the culture that normalises control and cruelty.

Teach us to honour one another with respect, to raise boys and girls in the light of equality and kindness.

O God of peace, make us instruments of Your peace.

Where there is fear, let us bring safety.
Where there is silence, let us speak truth.
Where there is despair, let us bring hope.

May every woman and girl live free from violence, free to dream, to grow, and to flourish in the dignity and love that You intend for all Your children.

Amen.