Forgive us when our deeds ignore

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.

Amos 5:11-15, Psalm 93:1,5, James 2:5, 4:1-3, Deuteronomy 15:7-11, 24:17, 25:13-16, Matthew 13:21-23, Mark 4:16-20, Luke 8:13-15, I John 2:16, Micah 6:8