The month of May, Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, calls us to deepen our understanding of this complex issue, challenge harmful attitudes, and actively work for prevention and change at every level of society. Violence in any form is never justified and goes against the dignity of every person and the vision of family as a place of safety, love, and hope. Let us join Thilini from Centacare in prayer, asking for help to build a world where all families can live in safety and peace, and where love and respect prevail in every home.
Transcript
Hi, my name is Thilini, and I am a Service Delivery Coordinator at Centacare Family and Relationship Services on the Gold Coast. The month of May is Domestic and Family Violence Awareness month, with a reminder to deepen our understanding of this complex issue, to challenge societal attitudes that contribute to it, and to promote ongoing attention, prevention efforts, and a commitment from all levels of society to create lasting change. I invite you to pray with us today, focusing on hope, healing, and the collective responsibility we share in creating safer homes and communities. Let’s begin.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Compassionate God, we come before You, mindful of the pain and fear experienced by victim-survivors of domestic and family violence. We pray for Your healing touch upon their physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. Grant them strength to rebuild their lives and hope for a future free from fear. Surround them with Your love and guide them towards safety, justice, and lasting peace. We pray especially for those who feel trapped and alone. Grant them a sense of Your unwavering presence and guide them towards safety and support. Merciful God, we hold in our prayers the children who have witnessed or experienced violence, praying for their innocence to be protected and for healing from the trauma they endure. Surround them with loving care and restore their sense of security. May they know they are loved. We also pray for the perpetrators of violence, that they may recognise the harm they inflict, take accountability for their actions, and seek transformation and healing for themselves. Gracious Lord, inspire within our communities a deep commitment to prevention. Help us to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence. Empower us to educate and raise awareness, fostering relationships built on respect, empathy, and equality. We pray for those dedicated to providing support and resources; the frontline workers including counsellors, advocates, the shelters, and the police officers, the legal aid providers, the magistrates, and all who play a crucial role in responding to and preventing domestic and family violence. Strengthen their wisdom, collaboration, understanding, and grant them the resources they need to effectively support those in crisis and work towards systemic change where needed. May Your Holy Spirit move within us all, prompting us to act with courage, compassion, empathy, and a steadfast determination to end domestic and family violence. May Your love and justice prevail, bringing hope and healing to all affected by domestic and family violence. May eternal rest be granted to those whose lives were stolen by the hands of domestic and family violence and may your healing hands hold the hearts of their loved ones bringing them strength. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for joining in this prayer. May we each be moved to contribute to a world where all families can live in safety and peace. We hope to see you soon.