Prayer for Peace for Abused Children

Yesterday I posted about child abuse and wrote about taking steps to prevent it, being

alert and paying attention so you can help children who are being harmed and I said to pray for children and families who are wounded by abuse. Today I want to think a bit more about this.

When we take steps to prevent abuse, we are making our children's ministry a safe place for children. We absolutely do not want children to be harmed when they are at our churches, so taking steps to prevent abuse is absolutely essential. There will however; be children who come to our churches who have been, and who even are currently being abused. You and your volunteers need to be watching and listening for things children say and do which may indicate they are being harmed. 

If you should discover a child in your ministry has been or is being harmed, then along with reporting it to the appropriate authorities, you need to be ready to provide support to the child and their family. Be careful about sending them to "Christian" counselors who do not even pray with them; they will only find the hope and help they need to experience healing through Jesus. Consider making this your prayer for these children  . . .

I Thessalonians 5:23, 24 (HCSB) "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it."

Dear God, on this day I pray for children who have been abused. Please help them experience the peace You give so their spirit, soul and body will be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please give them joy as they know this peace is available to them from You and You are faithful to do as You say you will do! Thank You, Amen.