We are grieved to hear about the tragic and sinful act committed against this young girl and the lasting impact it has had on her life. We first want to acknowledge the pain and suffering she has endured, and we are reminded of the words in Psalm 34:18, "Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."
As a group, we condemn the sin of molestation and abuse. It is a grievous sin against God and the victim. We find in the Scriptures that God hates such sin, as it is written in Matthew 18:6, "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge millstone were hung around his neck, and that he were sunk in the depths of the sea."
We pray for the victim, that God would bring healing and restoration to her life. We ask that the Lord would help her to forgive the perpetrator, not for his sake, but for her own peace and healing. We know that forgiveness does not justify the sin, but it releases the victim from the bondage of bitterness. As it is written in Ephesians 4:31-32, "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."
We also pray that she would come to know Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, if she does not already. It is only through Him that true healing and restoration can come. As it is written in Acts 4:12, "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"
Lastly, we pray for her future relationships, that they would be godly and honor Christ. We ask that the Lord would guide her steps and bring a godly man into her life, in His timing. We pray that her past would not define her future, but that she would walk in freedom, forgiveness, and the love of Christ.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today, lifting up this dear woman who has suffered so much. We ask for Your healing hand to be upon her, that You would bring restoration and peace to her heart and mind. Help her to forgive, as You have forgiven her. Draw her close to You, Lord, and help her to know the love of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Guide her steps and bring a godly man into her life, at the right time. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.