Violence is a global scourge to humanity. Millions of people become injured, or worse, die from violent acts every year. This makes violence one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Violence has grown more interpersonal and is often gone sadly unpunished.
The health and social costs of violence, which also include non-fatal, sexual, and psychological abuse, should not be underestimated. Deaths only make up a small portion of this burden. Violence also puts a significant strain on the health and legal systems, social assistance programs, and local economies.
At a human level, violence in any way or form severely wreaks havoc on the lives of people and society in general. Let us turn to God to offer a prayer against violence all over the world. May the peace of God reign in the world.
Prayer for victims of violence
Father of all, You created the world in harmony and communion. All creation rightly gives You glory and honor. But our pride and sin have severed our ties with You, our neighbor, and the rest of creation.
Because of Your unfathomable love for us, You sent Your Son, our Lord, and Redeemer Jesus Christ, to unite us with You. Through His death and resurrection, He has obtained for us peace and reconciliation with You. He has reinstated our dignity as Your sons and daughters and as brothers and sisters to one another.
Lord God, the world we live in now is gravely affected by unending violence and injustices. Many people have been affected by vicious wars and brutal disputes. Crimes and abuses are constantly on the rise. Even in our homes, violence can be in the form of hurting words and indifference.
Forgive us, compassionate Father, for having forgotten the price of our reconciliation with You and with one another. We are terribly sorry for harboring anger and resentment toward our neighbors which in turn escalated to violence and hurt. Forgive us for resorting to violence instead of diplomacy, understanding, and compassion.
Merciful God, we ask for Your help so that we can share in Your divine life and use Your authority over all evil. Lord, send forth Your truth and light. Bring evildoings to an end and make murderous and violent plots known. Convert individuals who have allowed evil to take control of their hearts with the power of Your Holy Spirit. O Lord, guide them to genuine repentance so they can experience Your new life and delight in Your merciful compassion.
You are attentive to the cries of the grieving. You are not indifferent to their pain and anguish. Listen to Your people as they call out to You in need and give them more reason to believe in Your enduring goodness. Be close to everyone who has been affected by violence, including those who have been harmed, lost loved ones, or experienced a loss of security. Be a stable haven of solace and a secure place for them to rest.
For those who have lost their lives as a result of violence or terrorism, we offer prayers for their eternal repose today. Bring them to Your eternal presence. May they enter into Your everlasting peace and delight for all eternity.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Short prayer to stop violence
God our Father and Protector, we come to You in need and seek Your divine protection. We ask You to soften the hearts of people who want to inflict harm and violence on others. Hear the cry of the victims of violence. Draw them near to Your heart. May You be their refuge and hope. May love triumph over hate, peace over conflict, and Your light over darkness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Word of God
Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9 NRSVUE
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NRSVUE
Prayer to Saint Rita of Cascia against violence
Saint Rita of Cascia, patron of impossible causes and a lover of peace, we come to you relying on your powerful intercession. You despised violence and vengeance growing in the hearts of your sons who wanted to avenge their father’s death. You asked God to take them instead of committing violence and harm to others. It takes such great faith to ask a request that is so difficult!
Today, we come to you in need. Intercede for us so that peace and harmony may reign in our hearts and in our society. Continue to inspire us with your example of holiness and trust in God.
Dear Saint Rita, we pray for those who are plotting evil plans toward their neighbor. Pray for them that God may shed His light upon their hearts and minds. May cruelty, violence, and the desire to inflict harm on others be replaced with gentleness, peace, and understanding.
We also pray for the victims of violence and injustices. You yourself were a witness and had experienced violence and abuse. You know and understand their miserable plight. May you be their inspiration and strength. Pray for them to God to keep them safe.
We implore your intercession for those who have died because of violence. Pray for them that God may welcome them into the light of His face. May they be granted the justice that is due to them. May they rest in peace in God’s eternal abode.
Beloved Saint Rita of Cascia, continue to guide us toward building a world of justice and peace. Inspire us with your example of forgiveness, peace, and goodwill. May we never forget that God desires us to live in unity and harmony as brothers and sisters to one another.
Saint Rita of Cascia, pray for us. Amen.
Further reflection
Violence grossly negatively affects people and society. It produces a vicious cycle of harboring grudges, desire for revenge, and inflicting harm on other people. Violence is and will never be the answer to misunderstandings and differences.
In addition, violence leads to severe psychological and physical trauma, which lowers the quality of life for everyone in society. Violence has a direct and considerable negative influence on economic growth in many nations, which makes it difficult to eradicate poverty. And this goes on and on, resulting in more harm to other people and even death.
Let us continue praying to God for the end of violence all around the world. May we do our part in making our society a haven of peace, justice, and harmony. Let us also extend our help to those who have been victims of violence.
