“For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.  He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression to violence he redeems their life; and precious is their blood in his sight” (Psalm 72:12-14).

God shows preferential treatment.  But the ones God prefers surprise me.  Instead of being impressed with wealth and beauty and intelligence and humor and charm and achievement and power and cleverness and creativity and a winsome heart, as I would be, God instead shows favor and preference to the poor and broken and abused.  If I want to be on God’s side, should I not share his values and side with the broken?  Should I not pray for justice delivered by God to those who need it most?  And if I suffer injustice or abuse myself, shouldn’t I expect God’s special attention?  I should. I will.

Here is a prayer for those who have suffered person abuse.

“God, you care deeply for broken-hearted people. Those wounded remain close to your heart.  I want to know the pain and the anger you feel about this. I want to share your sorrow.  But empathy is not enough for me. On behalf of those who have suffered abuse, I ask for justice.  I ask you to restore what has been taken from them.  Give them back what has slipped from their hands, their innocence, their hope and their joy. For children who’ve been physically and emotionally abused by those stronger and more powerful – Lord, have mercy and heal them. For women who have suffered under sexual exploitation: Lord, have mercy and heal them. For those who have lost their own power to choose the direction of their lives: Lord, set them free.  For those locked behind bars of oppression: God, give them strength and courage to find a path to liberty. Strengthen liberators who fight for justice. Grow indignation in me and in all your people against these offensive abuses. This is not your will; but you can use any tragedy to bring about your will.  I pray that you will, and ask all these things in the name of Jesus.”