Forgive us when our deeds ignore
1 Forgive us when our deeds ignore
your righteous rule of all the earth,
when our decisions harm the poor,
denying their eternal worth.
2 Forgive us when we turn aside
from what is honest, true and fair,
when dreams of pleasure, wealth and pride
supplant your clear commands to care.
3 Forgive us, Lord, our endless greed
for what was never truly ours,
when, driven more by want than need,
we harness this world's brutal powers.
4 Forgive us that we change the rules
by which the game of life is played,
and never learn to wield the tools
which could see joy and hope remade.
5 Forgive us, God! Our lives betray
our shallow, vague response to grace;
so help us walk your holy way,
to make your world a better place.
Martin E. Leckebusch (b.1962)
© Martin E. Leckebusch, admin. The Jubilate Group
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