Prayer & Scriptures for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

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Prayer & Scriptures for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Recently, I received a request from a reader to write a post with scriptures and a prayer template to pray for survivors of sexual abuse and trauma. Although I have not personally dealt with the trauma of sexual abuse, I have friends and family members who have, and I also work with a local Christian women’s restoration home (Glory House) where many of the women we help deal with this. Because I have not personally dealt with or recovered from this kind of trauma, I wanted to be sensitive and do my due diligence in researching this, praying about it, and speaking with people more versed than I am before I wrote about it.

As a result, I’ve written this post with the help and vetting of some recovered survivors of sexual abuse and with some direction from the leadership at Glory House. In fact, Ms. Susie Barnes, Executive Director at Glory House who has almost 25 years of helping women and their families, said to me:

“I’m still amazed by God and His ability to heal people from such trauma!  It gives me great hope and confidence to tell others it is possible.  Amen!”

My hope and prayer through this post are to provide some prayers, scriptures, resources, and hope for those who may have loved ones that are dealing with the trauma of sexual abuse. **Please note, that I am not an expert or a licensed professional and that this is merely meant to serve as a helpful resource. It’s also important to get proper help and counseling from people who are trained, experienced, and have dealt with the trauma of sexual abuse.

The good news is that nothing is too hard for God. There is hope for being healed and restored.

Prayer and Scriptures for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Below you will find a compilation of prayers to pray for survivors of sexual abuse along with supporting, relevant scriptures. *At the bottom of the post, you will find a list of additional resources.

You don’t have to pray ALL of these things all at once or all of the time.  You can just pick a couple of these things to pray for each day or pick the ones that are most relevant. These prayers are written to pray for someone else; however, they can most certainly be adapted to pray for yourself, if you are the survivor of abuse, by using personal pronouns (I, me, my, etc.).

Text in red are example prayers followed by reinforcing scriptures:

Lord,

Help them know they are very valuable and worthy of love. Help them to see themselves as You see them.

“For God bought you with a high price…” 1 Corinthians 6:20a (NLT)

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:1 (NLT)

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine” Exodus 19:5 (ESV)

**Helpful blog posts about this… What Does Your Price Tag Say: A Message on Self-Worth, You Are a Masterpiece, Overcome Insecurity From the Inside Out

Take away any false shame that they might feel or experience at times, and multiply joy, hope, and peace in their life. Help them to fully believe and comprehend that the abuse is not their fault (the abuser’s sin is the abuser’s fault, not theirs).

“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” Isaiah 61:7 (NIV)

“For the Lord GOD will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.” Isaiah 50:7 (NKJV)

“Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:5 (NIV)

“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17 (NLT)

“The young women will dance for joy, and the men—old and young—will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.” Jeremiah 31:13 (NLT)

“There is hope for your future,” says the LORD…” Jeremiah 31:17 (NLT)

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:18 (NIV)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” Psalm 62:5 (NIV)

“You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.” Psalm 119:114 (NLT)

“But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.” Psalm 146:5 (NLT)

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (NIV)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“But if out in the country a man happens to meet a young woman pledged to be married and rapes her, only the man who has done this shall die. Do nothing to the woman; she has committed no sin deserving death. This case is like that of someone who attacks and murders a neighbor” Deuteronomy 22:25-26 (NIV)

“The person who sins is the one who will die. The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness.” Ezekiel 18:20 (NLT)

“The fathers shall not be put to death for [the sins of] their children, nor shall the children be put to death for their fathers; [only] for his own sin shall anyone be put to death.” Deuteronomy 24:16 (AMP)

“All people will die for their own sins—those who eat the sour grapes will be the ones whose mouths will pucker.” Jeremiah 31:30 (NLT)

“Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God.” Romans 14:12 (NLT) *emphasis mine

“For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.” Matthew 16:27 (NLT)

“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT)

“But they will have to answer to God, who judges the living and the dead.” 1 Peter 4:5 (CEV)

**More scriptures about hope here

Remove any roots of bitterness or resentment.

“Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” Hebrews 12:15 (NLT)

Teach them not to dwell on the past, and show them that you are going to do something new in their life.

“The Lord says, “Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don’t you see it? I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NCV)

Show them that you can make them a new person, that you can make all things new, and that you are not finished with them yet. You will carry on the good work that you’ve started in them.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”” Revelation 21:5 (ESV)

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

Give them the ability to see and experience the abundant, rich, and satisfying life that Jesus wants them to have through Him.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 (NLT)

Help them to see that what the enemy meant for harm, God can turn and use for good, including helping others. Help them see that God can bring beauty from ashes.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 (NIV)

“No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from Me,” says the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17 (AMP)

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)

“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

Keep them from believing the lies of Satan.

“…there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44b (NIV)

“And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” Revelation 12:9 (ESV)

“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT)

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV)

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV)

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” John 10:3-5 (NIV)

Show them that your truth will set them free.

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (NLT)

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NLT)

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” Luke 4:18 (NIV)

“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” Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)

Transform them, and renew their mind, Lord. Help them to take control of their thought life by taking every thought captive.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

“…Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT)

Soften their heart and give them a tender and responsive heart to be open to getting the help that they need. Strengthen and empower them with courage and bravery to seek healing and freedom from their abuse.

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)

“O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries.” Isaiah 30:19 (NLT)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

“Pray that God’s people in Jerusalem will accept the help I bring.” Romans 15:31b (GW) 

“Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.” Proverbs 11:14 (AMP)

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV)

“Without consultation and wise advice, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they are established and succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 (AMP)

“Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.” Proverbs 20:18 (NLT)

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 (NLT)

“So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD!” Psalm 31:24 (NLT)

“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1 (NIV)

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

**Helpful blog posts about this… Help From God Might Come as Help from Others, Ask for Help. Accept Help., You Rob People When You Refuse to Accept Help

Bring into the open anything that will help them heal.

“For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.” Mark 4:22 (NLT) *See also Luke 8:17, Luke 12:2-3, Matthew 10:26, Daniel 2:22, 1 Corinthians 2:10

Please send laborers, Lord. Lead them to get proper help and counseling from people that they trust who are experienced and have dealt with the trauma of sexual abuse. Let them be encouraged and inspired by others who have been restored after abuse.

“Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:38 (ESV)

“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 (RSV)

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

“Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (AMP)

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

Give them comfort as they uncover and confront the pain from the past.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-6 (NIV)

“The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you.” Psalm 9:9-10 (NLT)

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory.” Isaiah 61:1-3 (NLT)

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 (ESV)

“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Psalm 119:50 (NIV)

“But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.” John 14:26 (AMP)

Isaiah 61:1-11 (*all of it is encouraging and helpful reminders of restoration and hope)

Please give them healing from the pain.

“But [in fact] He has borne our griefs, and He has carried our sorrows and pains; yet we [ignorantly] assumed that He was stricken, struck down by God and degraded and humiliated [by Him]. But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]; the punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him, and by His stripes (wounds) we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5 (AMP)

“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.”” 1 Peter 2:24 (BSB)

“…And many followed him, and he healed them all” Matthew 12:15 (ESV)

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].” Psalm 147:3 (AMP)

Help them to let go of the heavy burdens they’ve been carrying, and empower and sustain them.

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:5 (NIV)

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)

“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy” Colossians 1:11 (NLT)

“We don’t have the right to claim that we have done anything on our own. God gives us what it takes to do all we do.” 2 Corinthians 3:5 (CEV)

“The LORD protects his people, and they can come to him in times of trouble. The LORD helps his people and saves them from the wicked because they run to him.” Psalm 37:39-40 (CEV)

Lift their head and remove them from darkness and oppression.

“But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” Psalm 3:3 (ESV)

“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever…” Isaiah 9:1a (NLT)

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” Isaiah 9:2 (NLT)

“The LORD also will be a refuge and a stronghold for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble” Psalm 9:9 (AMP)

“The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” Psalm 103:6 (ESV)

“Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep Your precepts.” Psalm 119:134 (BSB)

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free” Luke 4:18 (NIV)

“In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.” Isaiah 54:14 (ESV)

Free them from anxiety, triggers, and panic attacks. Still their heart, and calm their fears. Let peace rule their heart.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:19 (NIV)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NLT)

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

“Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” Luke 10:19 (AMPC)

Remind them that you are with them.

“…for He God Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down, relax My hold on you! Assuredly not! So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm, I will not fear or dread or be terrified. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 (AMPC)

“I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” Psalm 16:8 (NLT)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (see also Deuteronomy 31:8)

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

Bring them restoration.

“You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again.” Psalm 71:20-21 (NLT)

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)

“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.” Joel 2:25 (ESV)

“I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.” Amos 9:14 (ESV)

“God, your God, will restore everything you lost; he’ll have compassion on you; he’ll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered.” Deuteronomy 30:3 (MSG)

“Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”” Isaiah 35:4 (NIV)

Help them to know that victory is possible and to make a decision to be victorious.

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

“I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 (CEV)

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 (NIV)

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 (NLT)

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8:37 (NLT)

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (NIV)

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:4 (ESV)

Finally, help me, Lord, to clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love as I walk alongside them. Grant me strength and grace, and let your love overflow out of me.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

“And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.” 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NLT)

“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:5 (ESV)

Prayer for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Lord, help them know they are very valuable and worthy of love. Help them to see themselves as You see them. Take away any false shame that they might feel or experience at times, and multiply joy, hope, and peace in their life. Help them to fully believe and comprehend that the abuse is not their fault (the abuser’s sin is the abuser’s fault, not theirs). Remove any roots of bitterness or resentment. Teach them not to dwell on the past, and show them that you are going to do something new in their life. Show them that you can make them a new person, that you can make all things new, and that you are not finished with them yet. You will carry on the good work that you’ve started in them. Give them the ability to see and experience the abundant, rich, and satisfying life that Jesus wants them to have through Him. Help them to see that what the enemy meant for harm, God can turn and use for good, including helping others. Help them see that God can bring beauty from ashes. Keep them from believing the lies of Satan. Show them that your truth will set them free. Transform them, and renew their mind, Lord. Help them to take control of their thought life by taking every thought captive. Soften their heart and give them a tender and responsive heart to be open to getting the help that they need. Strengthen and empower them with courage and bravery to seek healing and freedom from their abuse. Bring into the open anything that will help them heal. Please send laborers, Lord. Lead them to get proper help and counseling from people that they trust who are experienced and have dealt with the trauma of sexual abuse. Let them be encouraged and inspired by others who have been restored after abuse. Give them comfort as they uncover and confront the pain from the past. Please give them healing from the pain. Help them to let go of the heavy burdens they’ve been carrying, and empower and sustain them. Lift their head and remove them from darkness and oppression. Free them from anxiety, triggers, and panic attacks. Still their heart, and calm their fears. Let peace rule their heart. Remind them that you are with them. Bring them restoration. Help them to know that victory is possible and to make a decision to be victorious. Finally, help me, Lord, to clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love as I walk alongside them. Grant me strength and grace, and let your love overflow out of me.

Prayer for Survivors of Sexual Abuse prayer image

Take Some Practical Steps When Praying for a Survivor of Sexual Abuse:

  • First, pray for them using the prayer prompts above.

  • Secondly, always use empathy and be sensitive, compassionate, patient, and gentle.

  • Next, seek help/counseling for your loved one and yourself. Consider educating yourself to learn and gain empathy.

Try to get your loved one to reach out for help/counsel without being pushy. If they won’t or aren’t ready yet, seek out help for yourself. Read the book Beauty for Ashes (see resource link below). It really helps family members to be more compassionate when they understand what their loved one is going through.

  • Then, rely on the Holy Spirit to comfort you and your loved one. Pray daily for this comfort and for the Holy Spirit to teach you how to interact with them. 

John 14:26 teaches us that one of the jobs of the Holy Spirit is to comfort us.  This verse also teaches us that the Holy Spirit will advocate, intercede, counsel, strengthen, and stand by us. Remember that you and your loved one are not alone. The Holy Spirit can help you. The Holy Spirit will teach you what to say, how to interact with your loved one, how to stay in peace in difficult situations. You can be strengthened for the Holy Spirit to strengthen your loved one as well.

“But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.” John 14:26 (AMP)

  • Speak positive affirmations over them, reminding them of what God says about them and their worth and value.

Read more about this and see examples of positive affirmations at these posts:

What Does Your Price Tag Say: A Message on Self-Worth

You Are a Masterpiece

Overcome Insecurity From the Inside Out

  • Finally, keep seeking God and His help.

“When the righteous cry [for help], the Lord hears and rescues them from all their distress and troubles. The Lord is near to the heartbroken and He saves those who are crushed in spirit (contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sin). Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the Lord rescues him from them all.” Psalm 34:17-19 (AMP)

RESOURCES:

  • Beauty for Ashes, by Joyce Meyer; Available at your local library or anywhere books are sold.

From the book cover:[1]

Many people seem to have it all together outwardly, but inside they are a wreck. Their past has broken, crushed, and wounded them inwardly. They can be healed. God has a plan, and Isaiah 61 reveals that the Lord came to heal the brokenhearted. He wants to heal victims of abuse and emotional wounding.

Joyce Meyer is a victim of the physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse she suffered as a child. Yet today she has a nationwide ministry of emotional healing to others like herself. In Beauty for Ashes she outlines major truths that brought healing in her life and describes how other victims of abuse can also experience God’s healing in their lives. You will learn:

      • How to Deal with the Emotional Pain of Abuse
      • How to Understand Your Responsibility to God for Overcoming Abuse
      • Why Victims of Abuse Often Suffer from Other Addictive Behaviors
      • How to Grab Hold of God’s Unconditional Love
      • The Importance of God’s Timing in Working Through Painful Memories

  • One Life, by Joyce Meyer; A video/audio teaching available on YouTube)…

From the teaching description:[2]

Joyce recounts her journey from extreme childhood abuse to healing and restoration. But that’s not the whole story. Joyce shares about the One Life that made it all possible—Jesus Christ—and how that one life can do the same for you. Jesus can help anyone overcome their struggles and find true freedom in their life.

Through Joyce’s story you will learn in this video teaching…

RAINN website

Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

RAINN Mobile App

Helpline numbers image

Image courtesy of V3 Ministries

*This is a restoration home where I volunteer. One of the services offered there is Biblical Instruction/One-on-One Personal Ministry (for survivors and/or family members of trauma). To reach out for Personal Ministry, you can call 918-584-1808 or email help@gloryhousetulsa.com to get more information.

If you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward!  Share this post via the sharing links below.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

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  1. Meyer, Joyce. Beauty for Ashes: Receiving Emotional Healing. Hachette Nashville, 2008. ↑
  2. Joyce Meyer Ministries. “One Life.” Joyce Meyer Ministries, https://joycemeyer.org/shop/Video%3djoycemeyer_usa-video/OneLife%3dd008288?itemId=1ef973220aaed338562365f6bdc450e8. ↑
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