Prayer of Repentance

June 7, 2020

Gracious God, we thank you for making one human family of all the peoples of the earth and for creating all the wonderful diversity of cultures. Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship and show us your presence in those who differ most from us.

Lord, set us free from the bondage of racism that denies the humanity of every human being and the prejudices within us that deny the dignity of those who are oppressed. Today we ask your forgiveness for the part we have played.

Lord forgive us when we do not fully love our neighbor as ourselves.

Lord forgive us when we fail to recognize your image in all.

Lord forgive us when we see injustice and don’t act or speak up.

Lord, forgive our valuing a false peace over a righteous justice.

Lord, forgive us when we use words and phrases that are racially demeaning. Forgive us when we use stereotypes or implicit bias to judge others.

Lord, forgive our self-defense that keeps us from humble learning and grace-filled conversation.

Lord, forgive our pride.

Lord, forgive us when we speak too quickly with clichés and easy answers. Forgive us when we stay silent out of fear. Help us when we stumble.

O God, call us into a deeper relationship to be your church for the sake of the world. Help us to see with new eyes the injustices within church and society. Call us to have a loving heart that respects and uplifts the humanity and dignity of every person; open our ears to listen to and learn from the experiences of people of color. Open our mouths to speak up and about injustices. Join us with others to work for racial equity and inclusion for all people. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 Printable PDF version HERE.

Opening and Closing - https://reconciliationministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/EndRacismSunday-AMELitany-PrayersofConfessionForgiveness.pdf

“Forgive Us” litany by Summit Avenue Presbyterian Social Justice Book Club Members