Kind and Merciful God

A hymn by Bryan J. Leech

Kind and merciful God, we have sinned in your sight
We have all wandered far from your way;
We have followed desire, we have failed to aspire
To the virtue we ought to display.

Kind and merciful God, we've neglected your Word
And the truth that would guide us aright;
We have lived in the shade of the dark we have made,
When you willed us to walk in the light.

Kind and merciful God, we have broken your laws
And in conduct have veered from the norm;
We have dreamed of the good, but the good that we could
We have frequently failed to perform.

Kind and merciful God, in Christ's death on the cross
You provided a cleansing from sin;
Speak the words that forgive that henceforth we may live
By the might of your Spirit within.

Kind and merciful God, bid us lift up our heads
And command us to rise from our knees;
May our hearts now be changed and no longer estranged,
Through the power of your pardon and peace.
Amen.