A Lament for the Terror

Be gracious to me, O God, for I am languishing; O God, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror. My soul also is struck with terror, while you, O God—how long? (Psalm 6:2-3)

Let us lament in the face of languishing injustices, hatred, racism and brokenness that are part of our lives and part of our world.

Let us grieve the malicious attack on Jacob Blake, and pray for his strength and healing, as well as for the healing of his children who witnessed the police shoot their father in the back.

Let us name the evil in our community that allows a 17-year old white supremacist to take the lives of protestors without intervention by those sworn to protect us.

Let us remember the community in Kenosha rising in protest, lament and grief.

Let us mourn for Black and Brown bodies, whose souls are struck and whose bones are shaking with terror because of state-sanctioned violence.

Let us weep for our criminal legal system where there is no justice.

Let us acknowledge those willing to tear their garments of privilege, and wear the sackcloth and ashes of our nation’s original sin.

Let us listen and respond to our friends and neighbors crying in their rage, terror and pain.

Let us pray with our hands and feet, as we commit ourselves to ending police violence and systemic racism, so that every life created in the divine image of God matters.

O God in your mercy,

Convict me of my complicity in injustice.

Forgive me for when I have remained silent or paralyzed; overwhelmed by exhaustion and confusion.

Fill me with zeal for justice and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Heal us.

Fill us with your hope for the day when the power of your divine love will overcome all hatred, and Black lives will be cherished and celebrated by all.

May it be so.

Amen.

Written by Lindsey Hammond, Associate Director of State Policy, Community Renewal Society.