A Poem For Survivors

Lord, this is our overdue prayer for survivors.

Prayer of thanks for the women’s shelters
shielding domestic violence survivors every night
from the domestic storms raging in our kitchens and bedrooms.
Prayer of thanks for the 16 states
requiring life-saving background checks on handguns.
Prayer of thanks for the Violence Against Women Act,
and the policymakers who refuse
to call domestic violence someone else’s dirty laundry.

Prayer of thanks for pamphlets in restrooms and hotlines at fingertips.
For the friends who ask “how are you?”
and mean it.
For the pastors who ask “how are you?”
and mean it.
For the God who doesn’t even need to ask.

Prayer of thanks for that tender God—
For that God who says hands are for
holding, praying, and lifting up.
For breaking bread and barriers.
For that kingdom-come, will-be-done God,
please God, in our homes as it is in heaven.

Prayer of forgiveness for any time the church
said abuse is her cross to bear
or told her to just turn the other cheek.
Prayer of forgiveness for any time we assumed
this violent sin doesn’t happen among Christians.
Prayer of forgiveness for anytime I said this prayer silently.
Again.
Prayer of forgiveness for anytime we said this prayer silently.