The COS Antiracism Team offers Prayers of Lament as we begin our Lenten Journey together:

1. Great Healer Jesus, we lament the death and suffering brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. We especially lament its disproportionate impact on our sisters and brothers of color.  Restore us and make us whole Jesus.

2. God of All Nations, Lands and Peoples, as we walk on snowy paths in our neighborhoods, and around our church, remind us that you are walking beside us, to guide us, to pick us up when we fall, and cheer us when we are discouraged.  We grieve the way we have disregarded the peoples who walked these lands many years ago, especially the people of the Three Fires – the Ottawa (Odawa), Chippewa (Ojibwa) and Potawatomi Indians.  Bless the people from all Nations who live in our Camelot Community, and especially guide our youth and children in your ways.   Amen

3. You, O Lord, are our refuge and our strength, our ever-present help in the time of trouble.  We lament the fact that so many people are homeless or halfway home, always seeking shelter in the time of storm. May we commit ourselves to making good trouble during this Holy Lent in which we work “to loose the bonds of injustice” (Isa. 58:6) and work for justice, peace and love.  Give us courage to awaken to greater truth, greater humility and greater care for one another.  Listen to our heart’s longings for the healing of our suffering world.   Amen.

4. Lord of Mercy and Justice, we lament over the sins of our nation like the decisions made 400 years ago in determining who was entitled to land and who was not and to decisions made in the last 50 years of who gets arrested and killed and who does not: Sins of white supremacy and racial injustice. Lord, forgive our nation and her leaders and her citizens of unjust decisions, thoughts and inaction. Help us to actively sow seeds of love, unity and peace on earth as it is in heaven. Lord, hear our prayer!

5. God of Compassion, we know that you weep at the injustice done by those with power and privilege, done at times in your name. All knowing God, you know the hearts of all, those of us who stand by, silently giving assent to injustice. Forgive us, change us, move us to speak and act with righteousness, with courage because of Christ. “O God Most High, when I begin to fear you, in you will I trust.” Psalm 56:3