Leader: We have come burdened by the weight of injustice and racial disparity
People: God lift us up, be our strength and our guide

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Leader: We have come as the “walking wounded” in need of healing from hurts we have felt and given
People: God, heal us, be our strength and our guide

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Leader: We have come searching, confused, and not knowing all the answers
People: God, give us clarity and calm our spirits as we search for your answers

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Leader: We have come for understanding of our differences, our sameness and our uniqueness
People: God, open our minds and hearts to new truths

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Leader: We have come to honor the people who have labored before us, trying to move us a beloved community
People: God, help us to remember and be our strength and our guide

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Leader: We have come to strengthen each other, having felt all alone in our desire for reconciliation
People: God, bind us together, be our strength and our guide

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Leader: We have come longing for the beauty of rainbow worship, where we are all viewed as your children
People: God, grant us the desires of our heart, be our strength and our guide

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Leader: We have come hungry for the “bread of peace”
People: Bread of Heaven, feed us until we want no more

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Leader: We have come to pray for religious tolerance, so that all voices can be respected and heard
People: God, be our strength and our guide

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Leader: We have come thirsty for the water of forgiveness
People: God forgive us, be our strength and our guide

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Leader: We have come so that we won’t forget that racism yet exists in the church
People: God, help us to remember and learn from our mistakes, be our strength and our guide

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Leader: We have come to learn from each other, so that our work won’t be in vain
People: God teach us thy ways, as we share our gifts

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Leader: We have come to prepare ourselves to work
People: God, renew our hope and persuade us to work while it is day

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ALL:  God, we pray for all who have assembled here and for people throughout the world who desire racial reconciliation. Help us to know that your judgment will always start with the house of God, therefore the church must take the lead. Give us the strength to move forward and become true ambassadors, instruments of unity and peace. Transform us and mold us as we endeavor to “heal the land.” Creator God, Sustainer God, God of Justice and Light, be our strength and our guide. Amen

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Rev. Renee Williams-Thomas December 2008