Reflections on the Teche

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Mercy, we all need it. Every week during our Sunday service I kneel and say the confession of sin.

Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Some days, however, this prayer is incomplete. Mercy is more than forgiveness. Mercy is relationship with God. We need mercy even when we have not left things undone. We need mercy even when we’ve loved our neighbor. We need mercy because we love God with all our heart, our mind, our strength. We need mercy.

Most merciful God,
help me to speak the words of kindness.
Guide my thinking toward goodness.

Help me see the light that shines in everyone’s heart;
I will see You there.

Fill my thoughts with truth; Give me grace to know when
to reach out
and when to step back.

Show me your light; Help me stand in its glow,
not in its shadow.

I need your mercy,
love, and patience
every day.

I am yours and You are mine.
We are in this together.
Have mercy on me.

–Margaret Simon