This was written for Stand Against Racism: A Community Prayer Vigil sponsored by the congregations of Anchorage Faith and Action- Congregations Together and three other congregations, including Congregation Beth Sholom.
The base idea for this litany came from the ELCA's Service for the same purpose.
In some religious
traditions, confession is used a kind of internal housecleaning. Confessing
one’s sins- things done and left undone, said and left unsaid- clears the
spiritual detritus from one’s heart and mind and better helps a person perceive
the truth and guidance of God. Confession to God does not eliminate the need to
confess and seek forgiveness from one’s family, friends, or neighbors. Like
physical housecleaning, spiritual housekeeping is best done sooner rather than
later and with a whole-hearted effort. Confessing together helps us to
acknowledge that none of us is any worse or any better than the other,
especially before the One who Made All Things.
Gracious God, you are the source of all that is, was, and
ever will be. We give you thanks for making one human family of all the peoples
of the earth. We praise you for creating a 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.
From the bondage of racism that denies the humanity of
people based on their skin color or ancestry,
God, we want to be
free!
From the lies of history that imply a hierarchy between
cultures, classes, or genders,
God, we want to be
free!
From the grip of silence in the face of white supremacy,
bigotry, and false equivalencies,
God, we want to be
free!
We humbly ask for forgiveness for how we have failed to
acknowledge the presence and work of your wisdom.
Be merciful to us, O
God!
We humbly ask forgiveness for our silence when we should
have spoken, our nervous laughter in times of discomfort, and our doubling down
in wrong behavior because we are afraid of change.
Be merciful to us, O
God!
We humbly ask forgiveness for the history of racism,
religious discrimination, and injustice that many of us have benefited from and
that most of us have perpetuated in intentional and unintentional ways.
Be merciful to us, O
God!
Guide us in the work of reconciliation, relinquishing of privilege,
and lifting up of all people.
God of grace, unite
us to your will!
Guide us toward relationships and fellowships that build
peace, promote justice, and reward humility.
God of grace, unite
us to your will!
Guide us toward the words and actions that will resist
racism and hatred and will dismantle their false power.
God of grace, unite
us to your will!
Comments