PRAY FOR FAMILIES TORN APART BY VIOLENCE
by Kristen West McGuire
In the comfort of our living rooms, the television brings stories of the many families torn apart by violence— by war, by genocide, by substance abuse, by rape, by persecution of the state, by sins of all kinds. The compassionate heart cries in agony with them, knowing all belong to us as brothers and sisters by virtue of Christ.
As Thanksgiving approaches, let us be doubly thankful for the blessings of liberty, and redouble our efforts to pray for those whose lives are endangered globally and even in our own backyards. When one person suffers, Christ brings us to their hearts because of the Cross.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Among their concerns is the protection of children from armed conflict. World Vision offers humanitarian assistance to children and their families during wartime, child-focused community development and advocacy to prevent the enticement and abduction of children by armed groups. http://www.worldvision.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE or text START to 88788 The most dangerous moment for a domestic violence survivor is when she decides to leave her abuser. Contact The Hotline for expert assistance and local referrals. Statistics show that one quarter of all women will experience intimate partner violence, either rape or physical abuse, in their lifetimes. The common dynamic at the heart of the violent behavior was the perpetrator’s misuse of power, control, and authority. http://thehotline.org
Camp To Belong is a national non-profit organization dedicated to reuniting siblings placed in separate foster homes and other out of home care for events of fun, emotional empowerment and sibling connection. The Camp To Belong Summer Camp Program has reunited thousands of siblings at camps and reunions since 1995. http://www.camptobelong.org
Lord, let us pray:
*for the complete repentance of those engaged in violent acts of any kind;
*for brothers and sisters to be liberated from webs of violence and instability caused by substance abuse;
*for individuals working to strengthen families and limit the violence caused by poverty and drug abuse, that they might find encouragement and personal fortitude;
*for an end to the wars and famines that cause young people to become used to violence in their daily lives, especially civil wars;
*for those families unaffected by violence, that they would pray for the suffering victims of all forms of violence and directly support those who take action to help;
*for the cooperation of the many agencies dedicated to eradicating violence of all kinds across the globe; and
*for those who knowingly or unknowingly contribute to violent acts that devalue the integrity and dignity of the bonds of family life, that they might be enlightened and repent.
Amen.
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Source: Wikimedia Commons. |
