Lord have mercy on us.

We enslaved your people, forced them to work for our profit against your will for 200 years, and have now relinquished responsibility for reconciliation because it was the sins of our forefathers rather than our own.

Lord have mercy on us.

We have perpetuated lies that have marginalized our brothers and sisters due to the color of their skin and sins that are different from our own.

Lord have mercy on us.

Rather than seek to understand, we have been quick to defend and point the finger.

Lord have mercy on us.

Rather than highlight testimonies of grace, redemption, and self-sacrifice, we have indulged our senses through images of burning buildings, looting, and chaos.

Lord have mercy on us.

Rather than respect the authority you have sovereignly placed over us, we are outraged and have taken justice into our own hands.

Lord have mercy on us.

Rather than remain steadfast in our commitment to non-violent protest, we have nurtured our anger by fighting the sword with the sword.

Lord have mercy on us.

We have justified systemic racism.

Lord have mercy on us.

We have blamed the system for sins we are personally responsible for.

Lord have mercy on us.

Our churches have become cowardly, fearful, silent, or reactionary in the face of some of the largest issues of injustice in our day.

Lord have mercy on us.

We have sought help, hope, and healing from worldly powers who are passing away rather than your eternal, steadfast grace.

Lord have mercy on us.

We are reminded afresh that apart from your sovereign hand of grace, our world would deteriorate into anarchic self-indulgence.

Lord have mercy on us.

Without you, we are hopelessly lost.

Lord, have mercy not only on us for these things, but on me for my contribution to them.