GRACE’s Week of Prayer

Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott today announced that the Governor’s Response Against Child Exploitation (GRACE) initiative will host the second annual Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking from Jan. 10, through Jan. 16, 2022.

The statewide interfaith week of prayer coincides with Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the state of Texas and serves as a call to action to the faith-based community to unite in prayer, learn more about human trafficking, and discern opportunities to prevent exploitation and support survivors.

GRACE launched the Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking through a virtual interfaith event on Jan. 10, at 6 p.m. on Facebook.

The event included remarks from the First Lady and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Commissioner Jaime Masters, prayer, and a panel discussion of faith leaders and members of the Office of the Governor’s Child Sex Trafficking Team (CSTT).

“The Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking is an integral part of GRACE’s efforts to bring hope and healing to survivors and prevent this horrific crime,” said First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “I invite Texans of all faiths to join us in prayer and action so that we can put an end to human trafficking once and for all.”

On Tuesday, Jan. 11, at 9 a.m., a new video featuring different faith leaders from across the state was posted on the Office of the Governor’s Facebook page to guide viewers through a brief prayer intention.

Daily Prayer Intentions for the Week of Prayer include:

Monday, Jan. 10 - Pray for all those currently being exploited to find safety and healing.

Tuesday, Jan. 11 - 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. 12 - Pray for an end to demand and societal factors that normalize exploitation.

Thursday, Jan. 13 - Pray for protection from online dangers and for caregivers to be equipped to keep their children safe.

Friday, Jan. 14 - 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. 15 - Pray for every child to have access to safe, supportive mentors and role models.

Sunday, Jan. 16 - Pray for discernment on the actions you can personally take to prevent human trafficking.

GRACE is a collaboration between the Office of the Texas First Lady, CSTT, DFPS, and a diverse group of faith leaders across Texas that works together to develop effective strategies to end human trafficking. The initiative launched in December 2019.

Governor Greg Abbott officially proclaimed Jan. 2022 to be Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the state of Texas. He also issued a proclamation recognizing Jan. 10-16, 2022 as the Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking.

Texans can use the hashtag #TXPraysToEndHT on social media to share their support for the Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking.