As people of faith, we join together in offering our joys and concerns to God. Some things to pray about this week:
The Penn State community. We pray for students and faculty, administrators and staff, alumni and other supporters. May we find healthy, helpful ways to deal with the confusion, anger, disappointment and disgust that recent events have caused. May we listen well and patiently to the struggles and concerns of each other. May we remember that Penn State is a place where students come to study and grow into honorable young adults, and faculty and staff are devoted to helping them do just that. May all within the Penn State community find the courage to behave with integrity and compassion in the face of difficult circumstances.
People who have been sexually abused. May they find safe places to tell their experiences. May the friends, family and authorities who hear their stories believe them. May they grow in healing, wholeness and hope for the future. May they be embraced by the care and support needed to confront their abusers and the courage and hope to seek for justice. May our communities reach out with compassion and grace. May those who struggle in silence know they are not alone.
People who have been accused of sexual abuse and misconduct. May those who have been wrongly accused have the courage and hope to find truth and justice. May those who have been correctly accused know regret and repentance. May they find help and healing. May our world become a place where power and influence is no longer used for personal benefit over the less powerful. May our communities begin the painful journey of forgiveness.
We welcome your prayer suggestions and requests. lutheran@psu.edu