Prayers for the vulerable

The UnitingChurch and its agencies has a strong commitment to ensuring the highest level of safety for children in our care and hopes that the Royal Commission is an opportunity for healing, justice and reconciliation.

The Royal Commission has begun its work. As we pray for all those involved, the following prayer can be used as part of Sunday Prayers for the People, or used on other appropriate occasions.

When collated into one prayer, it is suggested that each petition be followed by:

Lord, hear us

Lord, hear our prayer

A prayer for those who experienced abuse

Gracious and healing God,
We thank you for the many ways that you touch our lives – giving us hope in the midst of despair; comfort and strength to live, when we are at our most vulnerable.
Be with all those today who are suffering – living with brokenness and pain.
We particularly think of people who were sexually abused as children.
May your Spirit be a comforting and healing presence in their lives.
May they find peace and nurture within relationships and communities of safety and trust.
Open our eyes and give us wisdom to see where we can bring your healing and hope in our relationships, neighbourhoods and communities as your hopeful and compassionate people.
Give us courage, insight, power and passion that we might work with you for justice and liberation of all those who are abused and oppressed.

A prayer for the Royal Commission

God of wisdom, we pray for those who will serve as Commissioners, that they will deal graciously and fairly with all who appear before them. Grant to them the insight and discernment they will need to properly fulfil their responsibilities and ensure the best possible outcomes from the work they do.
We ask that the conclusions they reach and the recommendations they make will help those who have been victims of sexual abuse in the past to feel that justice has been done and hope restored.

A prayer for those who will appear before the Royal Commission

Gracious God, we pray for all those who will appear before the Commission, whether to give evidence or to be questioned regarding policies and practices. Give them humility and help them to speak openly and honestly about the issues they must address. We pray for a commitment from everyone involved to work together to create safe and nurturing communities of care for the children who need them.

A prayer for the perpetrators of abuse

God of grace and forgiveness, we pray for those who have been responsible for the sexual abuse of children. By your Spirit, convict them of the wrong they have done and the pain and grief they have inflicted on those they have abused. Bring them to such a place of sorrow and regret for what they have done that they will repent of their sins, admit their guilt, and seek to live a new life in the strength of your Spirit.

A prayer for the church

Holy God, through Jesus your Son, in the power of the Spirit, you brought your church into being. Imbue it in these challenging days with a willingness to courageously and honestly face the mistakes of the past.
Help us all to confront and confess our failures that we may continue with integrity to speak out for truth and justice in our nation and boldly declare the salvation promised to all who repent and believe in the good news revealed in Jesus your Son.