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 their victims. 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.

If you have experienced child sexual abuse within the Uniting Church or one of its predecessor churches - in a congregation or within an institution or service - you are encouraged to contact the Royal Commission to tell your story.