Lamenting

I have never heard anyone lament from the pulpit but last night at church we had a time of lamenting and I just wanted to write it on my blog so I might remember this

Lord God, we long for the coming of your kingdom in Jesus Christ, our Lord. We lament before you the signs that your kingdom has not come in fullness. We lament signs of brokenness in the community of nations.

(Silence)
We lament that Christians are persecuted they profess the name of Jesus
(silence)
We lament the broken relationships that bring such pain to many we know
(silence)
We lament that many of our friends, family, and coworkers have chosen to ignore or disown the gospel of Christ
(silence)
We lament racism that lives in our hearts and plagues our community
(silence)
We lament the physical and emotional abuse of children and spouses in our homes
(silence)
With resolute hope, despite our sadness, we pray boldly as our savior has taught us

Our father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtorss. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for and ever. Amen