let us pray* tonight for the victims of torture, those who torture and who sanction policies that allow it, and for ourselves and our own complicity in pain, degradation, and barbarism.
I.
For those who cling hopelessly to the bars of their prison
so that we can walk free
For those who moulder in the darkness
so that we can walk in the sunshine
For those who have had their ribs kicked in
so that we can breathe freely
For those who have been hit in the face
so that we can walk without fear of attack from any hand
For those who have been gagged
so that we can talk aloud
For those whose dignity lies in tatters on the floor of
their cell
so that we can walk proudly
For those whose loved ones live in fear
so that ours can live in happiness
For those whose country is in chains
so that ours can be free
And for the jailers
and for their torturers
a thought,
the saddest thought of all :
they are the ones who have suffered the worst mutilation.
II.
God for all the world,
We pray for our brothers and sisters
Throughout your world
Who endure torture
Physically,
Spiritually,
Emotionally.
In their pain
May they experience your presence and care
Binding their wounds
Supporting them.
We pray for our brothers and sisters
Throughout your world
Who inflict torture
Physically,
Spiritually,
Emotionally.
May they experience your presence and care
Binding the wounds they bear
Wounds they receive as they wound others.
Open them to see the dignity of each person.
Strengthen them to seek ways
To break free from violence.
We pray for our brothers and sisters
Throughout your world
Who authorize torture
Physically,
Spiritually,
Emotionally.
Break the hold of fear and anger upon them.
Inspire them to seek other ways to advance their causes.
We pray for ourselves
Confessing our responsibility for acts of torture
Which violate our sisters and brothers
And degrade us and our values.
Guide us to pray and study,
Dialogue and speak,
Come together and advocate
For an end to torture.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ,
Whose life, death and resurrection
Reveals that God's love
Is indeed stronger than torture and fear.
Amen.