In the beatitudes, Jesus teaches his followers how the gospel will transform the way they live and interact with others. In light of recent events in our country, these truths ring fresh in our hearts as we own our sinfulness, repent, and seek to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)

"Lament and Confession in the Wake of Violence"

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’
   Instead, we have been proud and overbearing.
   We have asserted our own importance and been jealous of others.
   We have cast off the weak, the poor, and the marginalized
      and slandered those we envy and dislike.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
   Instead, we have been angry in our hearts and in our words.
   We have returned evil for evil.
   We have done violence ourselves and condoned the violence of others.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who weep, for they shall be consoled.”
   Instead, we have failed to show compassion and care for others who suffer
      and in doing so have hardened our hearts.
   We have not borne our own sorrow and suffering with the patience which comes from faith.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
Instead, we have looked on our neighbor’s faults and weaknesses with a hard and intolerant eye.
We have failed to show understanding and sympathy, but judged harshly and too soon.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Instead, we have been suspicious, distrustful and insincere in the thoughts of our hearts.
We have spoiled the joy and beauty of our sense and our love through lust and self-indulgence.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
   Instead, we have broken the loving peace of friends and families with divisiveness.
   We have been intolerant of those unlike ourselves and disturbed the peace of our land
      with violence and civil strife.
   We have harbored prejudice in our hearts, whether knowingly or unknowingly,
      and have perpetuated the fear and anger in our country.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who suffer persecution for the sake of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
   Instead, we have neglected in our prayers and in our charity those who are persecuted
      for their faith, their beliefs, or their race.
   We have encouraged or left unrebuked those who, in word or deed,
      deny the equality of the children of God.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Based on "A Prayer of Penitence based on the Beatitudes of Jesus" from the Church of England.
Adapted on July 8th, 2016 by Joel Pollard, Director of Worship at Lake Baldwin Church