The 25th will be the international day for eliminating violence against women…
God of love,
we pray for an end
to violence against women.
May the end come soon.
May the secret violence,
happening behind the closed doors
of our friends, family and neighbours,
of workmates and fellow churchgoers,
… may the violence end.
We pray for all women who feel
desperately alone and afraid,
with seemingly no-one to protect them
from those who are violent towards them…
…may they find shelter and safety.
We pray that all public places
may become safe places.
We pray that you will protect women
from violent and biased judicial systems.
We pray that you will strengthen
everyone who works to keep women safe.
And if all this sounds wildly optimistic,
because violence runs deep
in the human soul,
God bring a new beginning we pray.
May the strong learn peace.
And may peaceful people learn
to be strong and to stand up.
In your mercy, God,
hear our prayer.