A Prayer of Lament by Lisha Epperson

O God, we acknowledge our failure and bow our hearts in sadness. We have not stewarded your love and mercy. We have not reflected your compassion. We have not responded to your spirit. We have turned our back on truth and have strayed from the sacred path. We are divided and this should not be. Forgive us. Lord in your mercy.
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We remember the painful history of hate crimes embedded in the fabric of American life. We remember Breonna Taylor, her family and community,  along with the many people of color that fall victim to police brutality. We are grieved by the systems that continue to fail people of color ... the chronic disease … of racism. We stand in the place of no words and lament this injustice. We must ... we will do better. Lord in your mercy. 
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We remember the loss of over 200,000 lives to Covid-19. We lift up the communities that have been hardest hit and lament the realities that leave so many, so vulnerable. This pandemic has lain bare, the painful truth of systemic economic injustice. We lament the ways we’ve allowed this to happen. We lament these gross inequalities. Lord in your mercy. 
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We trust you, O God. Renew within us, the image of your beloved son Jesus, that we may know your will. Give us courage to do what is right and persistence in challenging unjust structures and institutions. Grace us we pray, with strength and resilience to do this work, ever mindful of your dream of beloved community - your people united. We can’t do it without you. Lord in your mercy.
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We believe lament is the work of reconciliation and know this effort as an investment in our freedom. Lord help us in our desire, help us in our desire to truly be free. And with a cry for equal parts justice, hope and healing for all, we seal this prayer with a hearty amen and ask for your grace. Lord, in your mercy.
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Most holy God, who rules and reigns above all, who with loving care and divine purpose called this world, and each of us into being. Help us to discern the time in which we live, and hear clearly - your urgent message of life-giving, liberating love. Empower us to share it, in our communities and among nations. Help us to live the truth of your peace - through the love of your Son, our savior Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit nudge us in hope, ever forward. Amen.