A lament about violence

 

Oh, Lord,

This is a lament about violence. 

Our hearts are grieved but not surprised at the violence and encouragement toward violence that’s been occurring in this country. 

There is no limit to the senseless hatred and selfishness that transpires when we do not seek your kingdom first.

Forgive us, Lord, for our partisanship and hatred for one another.

Forgive us for our inconsistent laws and prejudiced perspectives.

Forgive us for consulting political consultants instead of you.

Forgive us for turning on one another because we disagree.

Lord, we need to repent individually and corporately. 

Restore power and order through the body of Christ. Let it spill out and influence our local and national leaders. May our churches lead the cause of compassion and restitution.

Protect our law enforcement. Protect innocent bystanders.

Bring perpetrators to justice. Vengeance belongs to you. We ask you to work through our justice system fairly.

Give our country another chance to radiate kindness, righteousness, justice, and community to a world who is all too familiar with violence and unrest. Please give us another chance to govern in unity, to worship in unity, and to live in unity. To love like you love us.

Give us a chance to make amends. To share the vaccine–to give away health, restoration, and restitution. Make us peacemakers, healers, and givers. Convict us until we want to become these people.

Thank you for your consistent character of love, mercy, and justice.

In Jesus’ name, 

Amen.

All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame. Psalm 6:10

Arise, Lord, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice. Psalm 7:6

Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make your way straight before me. Psalm 5:8