Opening Prayers/Prayers of Adoration on Race

In Christ there is no East or West,

In Christ no South or North;

But one great family of love

Throughout the whole wide earth.

In Christ shall true hearts everywhere

Their high communion find;

His service is the golden chord

Close-binding humankind. Amen.

Join hands, then, people of the faith,
whatever your race may be.
All children of the living God
are surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both east and west,
in him meet south and north.
All Christly souls are joined as one
throughout the whole wide earth.
John Oxenham, Adapted

O God, we thank you that you have made human beings in your own image. Help us to see ourselves as you see us, all standing in need of your mercy yet precious to you. We confess to the many injustices and prejudices of which we are guilty. Our arrogance and pride make us unworthy to be called your children. 

We rejoice that you are no respecter of persons. We know you send rain on the just and the unjust. Help us to grasp the truth that you have made one blood all nations of people to dwell on all the face of the earth. Since we have all sinned and fall short of your glory, may we cling to your Cross, by which your love is commended to all. May we in honor prefer one another. In the light of your redeeming grace help us to strive for reconciliation among all races and kinds of people. Remove from us all unchristian attitudes. Give to us the mind of Christ. Lift us above all that alienates and separates us in the human family. Through Jesus Christ enable us to strive in this world for that fellowship of kindred spirits to which we look forward in the heavenly Kingdom. In his name and by his power who is the Savior of the world. Amen. 

John S. Land, Language Modernized by Stuart Strachan Jr.