Safe Sanctuaries Prayer

Safe Sanctuaries Prayer Leader: Lord, we confess our fear for our young people; People:

For those whose fears we could not allay, For those whose lives we could not protect.

Leader: We ask your tenderest love and mercy People:

For those who have suffered At the hands of those who fed and taught them.

Leader: Lord, we cry for those whose tears we did not wipe People:

And for those who have suffered in silence, While the community ignored the signs of their abuse.

Leader: Lord, turn their despair into our daring action, People:

Turn their pain into our renewed purpose,

Leader: Turn their confusion into our caring and commitment, People:

Turn their disappointments into our determination and love,

All:

Turn their fears into our fight for right. Amen.

Adapted from a prayer by Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund.