Creator God,
We thank you that you are a God of
abundant love, justice and mercy. You
created each one of us in your image.
Each person on this earth is fearfully
and wonderfully made and loved by
you. We know that you desire for all
people to live life in all its fullness, in
relationship with you.
Hear the cries of our hearts for those
who are trafficked and enslaved in
our world today, for the countless
unheard individual voices around the
world and here in our own country.
We particularly pray for the countless
children who have been trafficked
into cocoa farms across Cote D’Ivoire
and Ghana.
Shelter them and meet their material
needs, and provide education,
resources and opportunities in order
that each child can live a life of
abundance and fulfilment.
We pray for those in positions of
power within the chocolate industry.
We ask that you will stir their hearts
with a desire to take ambitious steps
to end all forms of exploitation.
Lord, you have called us according to
your purpose, to be the hands that
bring freedom, comfort and healing
to the captive and the oppressed.
Forgive us when we have failed to
follow your commands. Forgive us for
the role that we have played in
creating a world where your children
are exploited.
Teach us to choose what is right, and
stand against that which is evil. Teach
us to love justice and mercy, and
stand against oppression and
exploitation. Show us where we are
indifferent to injustice. Empower us
with your Spirit, so we may have
courage and determination to do your
will.
God of justice, hear our prayer.
Amen