A Prayer for Protection and Justice

"¶ If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine." - Exodus 21:22

"¶ If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine." - Exodus 21:{verse.verse_number}

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today, our hearts heavy with the weight of the world and the cries of innocent lives, particularly those of mothers and their unborn children. We lift up the words of Exodus 21:22, “If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.” Lord, this verse resonates deeply in our hearts, as it speaks to the sanctity of life and the called duty for justice in the face of harm.

Father, we acknowledge Your sovereign hand in the creation of life, especially in the womb. You knit each child together with purpose and intention. We thank You for the precious gift of motherhood, for the sacred bond between a mother and her child. In this divine act, we see Your reflection, and we are reminded of how valuable each life is to You. We ask for Your divine protection over all expectant mothers. Keep them safe from harm, and guard their health and well-being as they nurture the life that You have placed within them.

Lord, we recognize that our world is fraught with conflict and strife, sometimes resulting in physical harm to those who are carrying new life. We pray for the women who find themselves in vulnerable situations, who may face aggression or violence from those around them. Protect these mothers, Lord, and shield them from aggression, hatred, and malice. Surround them with Your peace that transcends all understanding. May they feel Your presence with them, offering comfort and strength amidst turmoil.

As the verse reminds us, there must be accountability for actions that lead to harm, especially when it comes to the vulnerable. We pray for justice, Lord. We ask that You raise up individuals who will advocate for these mothers and their children, those who will seek righteousness in a world that often turns a blind eye to such matters. We ask for Your wisdom to be granted to the judges and leaders who make decisions that affect lives. May their hearts be tender and understanding, guided by compassion and integrity. Let them enforce justice where it is due, and disallow injustice and irresponsibility to prevail.

Father, we also seek healing for those mothers who have suffered loss due to violence or neglect. Heal their broken hearts and mending their spirits, filling them with hope and renewal. We pray they may find solace in Your embrace and that You guide them toward paths of restoration. In their pain, may they feel Your love surrounding them, reminding them they are not alone, nor forgotten.

As we come to You in prayer, we ask that our community be a champion for the causes of life and justice. Stir within us a passion to serve those who are voiceless, especially the unborn. Raise our awareness to speak out against injustices committed against mothers and their children. May we stretch out our hands in empathy and compassion, comforting those in distress and lending our voices to those who lack one.

In all things, we look to You, our just and righteous Judge. We put our trust in Your perfect timing and wisdom as we navigate these complex issues in our society. May the hearts of men be turned toward the value of life and the sanctity of the family. Strengthen us as we strive to live out Your commandments, showing love and protection to all, especially the most vulnerable among us.

In Your Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

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Exodus 21:22 Artwork

Exodus 21:22 - "¶ If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine."

Exodus 21:22 - "¶ If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine."

"¶ If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine." - Exodus 21:22

"¶ If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine." - Exodus 21:22

Exodus 22:21 - "¶ Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."

Exodus 22:21 - "¶ Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."

"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left." - Exodus 14:21-22

"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left." - Exodus 14:21-22

Exodus 14:21-22 KJV
(21)  And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
(22)  And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Exodus 14:21-22 KJV (21) And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. (22) And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Exodus 14:21-22 KJV
(21)  And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.
(22)  And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Exodus 14:21-22 KJV (21) And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. (22) And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

"¶ Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." - Exodus 22:21

"¶ Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." - Exodus 22:21

Exodus 22:22 - "¶ Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child."

Exodus 22:22 - "¶ Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child."

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 15:22

Exodus 15:22

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 22:28

Exodus 22:28

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Exodus 14: 21

Exodus 14: 21

Exodus 22:28

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Exodus 22:5

Exodus 22:5

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Exodus 22:5

Exodus 22:5

Matthew 9:21-22

Matthew 9:21-22

Exodus 14: 21

Exodus 14: 21

Exodus 15:21

Exodus 15:21