Creator Mother, as we offer our prayers for our sisters who suffer from physical and emotional abuse, and for the perpetrators of violence against them, we ask also that you create within each of us an awareness of the many subtle forms of denigration of women and girls that occur daily and hourly around us and that contribute to an environment that allows abuse of women and girls to perpetuate.

Open our eyes to see instances where women and girls are treated as ‘less than’ men and boys: in the workplace, in the media, in the family and elsewhere.

Give us the courage to speak out when language is used that objectifies women’s bodies and intellect and subtly dehumanizes them.

Inspire us to stand up to media advertising that distorts and devalues women and girls by making informed purchases from companies who show respect for women in their advertising and hiring policies.

Make us mindful of the need to raise sons and daughters, and grandchildren too, in an environment of respect for the dignity of EVERY human being.

God of Love and Mercy,

Christine Budzowski VP Information and Communication National Episcopal Church Women