This month is Spiritual Abuse Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the devastating impact of spiritual abuse and to support those who have experienced it. Spiritual abuse occurs when someone in a position of spiritual authority, such as a pastor or religious leader, manipulates or controls others in a harmful way.. It can leave deep emotional and psychological wounds, and it is important that we raise awareness about this issue and offer support and resources for those who have been affected.
Here is a liturgy to help lean us into the healing hands of the Lord.
Collect:
Heavenly Father, we come before you today carrying the wounds of spiritual abuse. We know that you are a God of love and grace, and we ask for your healing touch to be upon us. Help us to find hope and strength in you, and to trust in your loving plan for our lives. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.
Psalm: Psalm 147:3-5
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Gospel Reading: John 10:10-11
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Devotional:
God desires to heal and restore those who have been broken by spiritual abuse. He wants to bring hope and joy to those who have known only pain and darkness. God’s love for us is unconditional and steadfast, and he is always ready to embrace us with open arms and to offer us his healing touch.
But the road to healing can be a difficult and challenging one. It requires us to confront the pain and trauma that we have experienced, and to trust in God’s love and grace to see us through. It requires us to forgive those who have harmed us, and to let go of the anger and bitterness that can consume us. And it requires us to be patient and to allow God’s healing work to take place in his own time and in his own way.
So if you are struggling with the wounds of spiritual abuse today, know that you are not alone. Know that God is with you, and that he is ready to bring healing and restoration to your life. Trust in him, and allow his love and grace to work in you.
Prayers of Intercession:
Let us pray for all those who are seeking healing from spiritual abuse.
For those who are struggling to forgive those who have harmed them, we pray that God would give them the grace and strength to let go of their anger and resentment.
For those who are struggling to trust in God’s love and care, we pray that he would reveal himself to them in a powerful and real way.
For those who are struggling with feelings of worthlessness or shame, we pray that God would speak to them his truth of their value and worth as his beloved children.
For those who are feeling alone and isolated in their journey towards healing, we pray that God would bring them supportive and caring relationships to help them on their way.
For those who are feeling overwhelmed by their pain and trauma, we pray that God would bring them peace and comfort in their time of need.
We pray all these things in the name of Jesus, who came to bring healing and restoration to all who believe in him. Amen.
Closing Prayer:
Gracious God, we thank you for your loving presence with us today. We pray that you would continue to work in our lives, bringing healing and restoration to the wounds of spiritual abuse that we carry. Help us to trust in your love and care for us, and to find hope and strength in you. We pray all these things in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.