Novena day 1 prayers

As we pray this first day of the Human Trafficking Novena, we pray especially for all victimized children to be strengthened and freed from this abuse. 

Opening Prayers 

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. 

Pray 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys and a Glory Be.

Psalm 142: 2-8 (NRSVCE)

I pour out my complaint before him;
 I tell my trouble before him.
When my spirit is faint,
 you know my way.

In the path where I walk
 they have hidden a trap for me.
Look on my right hand and see—
 there is no one who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
 no one cares for me.

I cry to you, O Lord;
 I say, “You are my refuge,
 my portion in the land of the living.”
Give heed to my cry,
 for I am brought very low.

Save me from my persecutors,
 for they are too strong for me.
Bring me out of prison,
 so that I may give thanks to your name.
The righteous will surround me,
 for you will deal bountifully with me.

Intercessory Prayer

St Maria Goretti, Patron Saint of purity, sex abuse, and forgiveness, we ask your intercession for the conversion of all those who oppress women, for the purpose of using their bodies for profit; for all those who sexually abuse women of all ages; and for all those who coerce and enslave women for the purpose of creating pornography, or to sell them into prostitution. 

Day 1 Prayer

Father in Heaven, we know that You demand justice for Your children who have been wronged. We beg You to give strength, courage, and hope to all the victims of human sex trafficking. Please guide those who investigate and prosecute all who perpetuate the trafficking industry. 

Psalm 5:11-12 (NRSVCE) 

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
 let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
 so that those who love your name may exult in you.

For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
 you cover them with favor as with a shield.

Closing Prayers

Exodus 3:7-10 (NRSVCE) Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”

Amen.

St. Maria Goretti, pray for us.