Prayer for Those Committing Sexual Offences

This prayer is for all who are making a big mistake today,
especially those who are committing a sexual assault
or abusing someone who trusts them.
God of truth, you know their actions, you hear their words.
Lies, manipulations, plotting.
Threatening, hunting, cornering.
Overpowering, hurting, dominating.
All of these actions devastate the victim.
They also lead the one who does them towards death:
each act obliterating tenderness,
squelching compassion, extinguishing the ability to love.
God of hope, you offer alternatives and new directions
even for those who commit hateful crimes.
Awaken, deep in their hearts, a memory
of kindness done to them, or mercy shown.
Let this glimmer of memory give them pause.
Turn them around, help them walk away.
The world is full of choices, let them see
that they can choose not to be that person
who wrecks and destroys.
There is a better way.
Help them find it.
And for those who live with memories 
of the horrible deeds they’ve done, God of mercy,
show a way to true repentance.
Your grace will give them the courage
to confess their crime to authorities,
to offer apologies and restitution,
to begin the long road of accountability.
We have this one singular and beautiful life;
let it be honest, let it be good

New Book Coming Soon!

Carol Penner has written a devotional book for Lent that explores the challenges of repentance and forgiveness. Forty reflections and prayers to deepen your walk with God as you prepare for Easter.  

You can order it here!

About Carol Penner

I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.

I love to write and to lead worship! If you are finding my writing helpful, I would love to hear from you! Feel free to use or adapt the material here, it is all written by me. If printing material, please credit “Copyright Carol Penner www.leadinginworship.com” (and say whether you modified it). If publishing, please contact me for permission. Contact me at carol@leadinginworship.com

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    Are you looking for resources for a Christian service? Feel free to use or adapt my prayers, poems and litanies. They are written in a Mennonite voice, for ears of all kinds. 

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