Prayer Intentions: A Prayer for Women who Suffer Domestic Violence
Each month, Secretum Meum Mihi will highlight a particular area worthy of intense intercession.
LORD, we pray:
* for women and their children who are abused physically and emotionally in their own homes, that they might find the courage to leave the abuser;
* that any children suffering in a situation of domestic violence would be preserved from lasting physical and emotional effects;
* that women in abusive situations would find the financial, medical and emotional resources they need to change their lives;
* for the families and friends who suspect a family member or friend is suffering from an abusive relationship, that they would be strengthened to offer needed compassion and support;
* for those government personnel who intervene on behalf of abused women and their children, that they would be gifted with wisdom and compassion, and shielded from danger at every turn; and
* for the complete repentance of the perpetrators of domestic violence themselves, that they might be healed and discover true love without fear and anger.
AMEN.
Although the overall number of domestic violence cases in this country has dropped, it is still a major concern. On average, three women are murdered every day by a husband or boyfriend. Sadly, the problem is even more intractable among Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, who suffer an abuse rate almost twice the national average. Younger women between the age of 20-24 are most at risk. While many of the perpetrators may have experienced abuse as children, this fact merely highlights the need to involve the whole family in healing. The following organizations deserve support for their efforts to end domestic violence:
The Family Violence Prevention Fund works to end violence against women and children around the world, because every person has the right to live free of violence. More information is available at www.endabuse.org
The mission of WomensLaw.org is to provide easy-to-understand legal information to women living with or escaping domestic violence. If someone you know needs help in escaping a violent relationship, legal and practical resources are available at: www.womenslaw.org
The R.O.S.E. (Regaining One’s Self-Esteem) Fund assists women survivors of violence to regain their self-esteem, by empowering victims to achieve self-sufficiency, rebuild their lives, and ultimately help end violence within society. www.rosefund.org