Today as I read Matthew 2:13-18, I felt the Lord prompting me to pray.
To pray for refugees (like Jesus and His family), for abusers (like Herod) and for victims of violence (like the parents of the slaughtered children).
The following prayers are adapted from prayers I found on the internet.
Please join in prayer as well, for these things still happen today!
A Prayer for Refugees
Almighty and merciful God, whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own;
look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger, homeless and hungry.
Bless those who work to bring them relief; inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;
and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for Abusers
Holy God, I humbly pray on behalf of those who are known as “abusers.”
It is true that many who inflict pain upon others have been hurt themselves.
Show those who abuse, kill, maim, and spew forth venom that the source of their actions is hell – not heaven.
Visit them upon their beds, do not allow rest until they repent – torture their souls towards repentance, so they can be healed.
For those who desire to stop abusing others, please guide them, direct them to much needed help.
Show us if there is any abusiveness in us, and lead us in the way of repentance and healing.
Help us to break the cycle of violence and abuse in our world and in our homes.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for Victims of Violence
Almighty and Ever-Loving God, in you we place our trust and hope.
Hear the prayers we offer for those who have been hurt or abused or treated with cruelty or injustice.
May the love and the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ bless and console them.
Look with favor on their families and friends who mourn the victims and comfort those who are in grief and despair.
Console them in the hope that all who trust in you will find peace and rest in your eternal Kingdom.
Grant that peace, the fruit of justice and charity, may reign in every family and nation throughout the world.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.