Victims of human trafficking
Scripture Reading: Psalm 72:4-5, 12-14
- May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor.
- May he endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations.
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.
Today we pray for the victims of human trafficking. Pray for the safety of those who are trapped in the bonds of slavery. Pray that God would be near to them in their suffering and bring them comfort and provision. Pray that God would hear their cries and liberate them from the hands of their oppressors. Pray that God would set them on a path toward restoration and healing.
O God, our words cannot express what our minds can barely comprehend and our hearts feel when we hear of women and children deceived and transported to unknown places for purposes of sexual exploitation and abuse because of human greed and profit at this time in our world. Our hearts are saddened and our spirits angry that their dignity and rights are being transgressed through threats, deception, and force.
We cry out against the degrading practice of trafficking and pray for it to end. Strengthen the fragile- spirited and broken-hearted. Make real your promises to fill these women and children with a love that is tender and good and send the exploiters away empty handed. Give us the wisdom and courage to stand in solidarity with them, that together we will find ways to the freedom that is your gift to all of us. In Christ’s name, Amen.
