The Word of God proclaims from Psalm 82:3-4, “Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and needy; save them from the power of the wicked.”
Sunday, September 29th has been designated as CARING WELL SUNDAY in the Southern Baptist Convention. It is a planned and resourced day to acknowledge that there are individuals in our churches who have unfortunate experience from some past and present abuse, and for the church to step up and offer God’s healing. Statistics say one in three women and one in four men have been sexually abused.
As we approach CARING WELL SUNDAY, this is a good opportunity to pray for those affected by abuse in our churches and ask God for His protection moving forward. It’s also a good time to examine your own policies and procedures. View abuse-related resources here.
Louisiana Baptists have provided a page on our website dedicated to resources and links for biblical justice, checklist, Louisiana laws, reporting agencies, protection methods and much more. In addition, the Essentials booklet is made available here.
The ERLC has created bulletin inserts for this Sunday, that can be downloaded here.
One of the things that every church can do is to pray for victims of abuse, for protection in their congregation and for God’s love to be poured out in abundance to those who have or continue to experience abuse.
Perhaps a prayer like this could be offered in a small group or in the church worship service.
Eternal and loving Father, we thank you that you are a just and merciful God. Today we plead that justice and mercy to fall upon our church for sexual abuse victims. We pray that abuse will stop and be eradicated among those who are walking in that dark valley. We pray that You will be near to every one of them to bring them comfort and peace. Father, we pray that your foundation of righteousness and justice will be established in this church and for your faithful love and truth to go before us. We pray this all in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus, Amen.”
