A Liturgy For Survivors Of Abuse

The following liturgy is designed for use by survivors of abuse. It allows for the pain and suffering of the abuse to be turned into prayers that seek healing from God. This service may be adapted for use in local congregations for other acts of personal injustice. Gathering for Worship Call to Worship: Psalms/Now (Leslie F. Brandt) (Read by the worship leader. Perhaps this might also be danced as it is being read:) O God, my life is cluttered up with conflicts. And there are times when you seem so oblivious to it all. The pitfalls before me, the weakness within me- all this is most depressing. I feel as if I am groping in utter darkness. Break into my darkness, O God. Set me free from my hang-ups. May these daily pressures that threaten to strangle me drive me to your fountainhead of grace. Then night will give way to the dawn, depression shall resolve into joy, and I shall sing your praises once more. O foolish spirit, why do you fret over so many things? …