Jessica Schrock Ringenberg is pastor at Zion Mennonite Church in Archbold, Ohio. 

Dear God,

What have we, your children, done?
Forgive us for the way we have contributed to the polarizing atmosphere in our culture.
Forgive us for treating those in leadership we disagree with so poorly that only the most narcissistic are willing to lead us.
Forgive us for making single issues into litmus tests of faithfulness, rather than remembering your cross, servant leadership and ultimate love as the chief characteristic of our faith.
Forgive us for being so afraid of “the other side” that we will vote out of fear, rather than out of admiration.
Forgive us for being more afraid of what could be, than to trust that you are and always will be.

Dear God,

We have painted ourselves into a corner.
We know there will be a trail left behind if we dare try to move.
Forgive us.
Teach us faith.
Teach us trust.
Teach us love, so that we will not know fear.
Hear our prayer. Amen.