Hello to every reader. I wonder how many of you have been abused, either in childhood, or as an adult? Did you suffer physical, emotional or sexual abuse, or were you neglected? Maybe different types of abuse were combined… I was emotionally abused throughout my childhood and well into adulthood, so I know from long experience that living with the consequences is painful, difficult and challenging. It can take a lifetime to come to terms with abuse, to learn to pray for yourself, and even for your abuser. It can also take a lifetime to forgive. Meanwhile, misuse continues all around the world, as those with power and authority continue to abuse those weaker than themselves – parents, bullies, partners, bosses, priests, jailers, teachers, politicians – the list is endless. These people need prayer too, if they are ever to change.
Abuse
* But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-8; NIV).
Father,
Please help and heal
All who suffer physical abuse –
And have to live with the consequences.
Please help and heal
All who suffer emotional abuse –
And have to live with the consequences.
Please help and heal
All who suffer sexual abuse –
And have to live with the consequences.
Please help and heal
All who suffer neglect –
And have to live with the consequences.
Lord,
Please help and heal
All who inflict abuse on others –
For they, too, have to live with the consequences.
I ask this in Jesus’ holy name,
Amen.