The Governor's Response Against Child Exploitation (GRACE) will launch the third annual Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking through a virtual Facebook event at 7 p.m. on Monday.
“As an integral part of GRACE's efforts, the Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking brings hope and healing to survivors as we work to stop this horrific crime,” First Lady Cecilia Abbott said, according to the governor's website. “This week, and every week, I invite Texans of all faiths to join us in prayer and action to eradicate human trafficking.”
Coinciding with Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the state of Texas, the statewide event offers the opportunity to unite in prayer, support survivors of human trafficking and learn ways to prevent exploitation. Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) issued a proclamation to recognize Jan. 9 to 15, 2023, as the Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking.
Each day focuses on different prayers with the following schedule. Monday, Jan. 9: Pray for all those currently being exploited to find safety and healing. Tuesday, Jan. 10: Pray for all those who are vulnerable to receive the help, love and support necessary to meet their needs and not fall victim to human trafficking. Wednesday, Jan. 11: Pray for an end to demand and societal factors that normalize exploitation. Thursday, Jan. 12: Pray for protection from online dangers and for caregivers to be equipped to keep their children safe. Friday, Jan. 13: Pray for Texans to have the courage and skills to speak up and intervene when they see behavior that puts others at risk. Saturday, Jan. 14: Pray for every child to have access to safe, supportive mentors and role models. Sunday, Jan. 15: Pray for discernment on the actions you can personally take to prevent human trafficking.
The Facebook event to commence the week will feature a panel discussion, as well as remarks from the First Lady and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Commissioner Stephanie Muth.
In honor of National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness, Cecilia Abbott asks all Texans to wear blue on Wednesday, and use the hashtag #TXPraysToEndHT on social media to support awareness.
GRACE was launched in 2019 and is a collaboration between the Office of the Texas First Lady, the Governor's Child Sex Trafficking Team, DFPS and a group of Texas faith leaders who work together to combat human trafficking.