This prayer is taken from the Lectionary readings for October 1, 2017 (Year A).

God, your ways are unfathomably fair:
You take no pleasure in death (1).
You dole out mercy after mercy,
Chance after chance;
To turn from iniquity,
And deny wickedness.

Trouble is, we tend to project our ideas onto you
Of what fairness is,
Of who should receive punishment,
Of where grace should go.

Generations of people have grumbled against you
Accusing you of unfairness
Calling your generosity and patience into question
And confusing vengeance with justice.

We have done this.
Forgive us, Oh God.

As Christ emptied himself
Taking the form of a slave (2)
He humbled himself
And trusted God to exalt him. (3)
Christ exercised his most profound power,
Which we all share:
The power of Emptying --
The power of Forgiveness.

Give us a new heart
And a new spirit (4)
Empty of selfish ambition and vengeance (5)
Full of humility and trust.

Amen.

1) Ezekiel 18:32
2) Philippians 2:7
3) Philippians 2:9
4) Ezekiel 18:31
5) Philippians 2:3