A prayer for healing

Lord Jesus Christ,
On the cross, you took upon yourself the suffering and pain of our wounded world. When your sacrifice was complete and your side was pierced, blood and water flowed out, mingled together in a healing stream. With faith and humility, we come before you in a time of turmoil, asking

(R) Pour out your healing on us and on all the world.

For victims of sexual abuse, that they may safely grow into open and fulfilling relationships. (R)
For Natalie and all who have spoken openly about dark and difficult things. (R)
For those ministering to victims of abuse, that they may be balm for wounded souls. (R)
For those ministering to perpetrators, that they have the wisdom to protect the vulnerable while offering the wideness of God's mercy. (R)
For those investigating allegations of abuse and the mishandling of allegations, that they may put aside their own biases and make prayerfully considered judgments. (R)
For all who are reading about scandal, that we respond to the suffering of others with acts of prayer and kindness. (R)
For the Universal Church, the Body of Christ, that her wounds may, like those of Jesus, bring healing to world. (R)

We ask these things in the unity of the Holy Spirit, our breath of life.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. AMEN


Written in response to the turmoil around the handling of abuse in CREC churches in Moscow, Idaho and originally posted on http://natalierose-livewithpassion.blogspot.com/.