A LITANY OF THANKS AND FORGIVENESS

(Perhaps in praying this litany, you might feel moved to compose your own).
Lord I pray forgiveness on the brother who believed lies about me
Lord I pray thanksgiving on the sister who modelled for me unconditional love
Lord I pray forgiveness on that sad sick young priest that hurt us so badly
Lord I pray thanksgiving on that old Canon who was holy and wholesome
Lord I pray forgiveness on those blind ignorant bullies
Lord I pray thanksgiving on parents who sacrificed and worried and loved
Lord I pray forgiveness on those who said ‘you are not good enough, you won’t make it’
Lord I pray thanksgiving on the granny who spoiled me, indulged me and fattened me up
Lord I pray forgiveness on those who set me up and ambushed me
Lord I pray thanksgiving on those who stayed friends with me
Lord I pray forgiveness on those who told lies about me
Lord I pray thanksgiving on those who listened to me with their hearts as well as their ears
Lord I pray forgiveness on those who stole and destroyed my good name
Lord I pray thanksgiving on sister and brothers who remain determined to love me
Lord I pray forgiveness on those who ran out of patience and gave up on me
Lord I pray thanksgiving on those who believe in my goodness
Lord I pray forgiveness on those who had a vested interest in keeping me stuck
Lord I pray thanksgiving on those who educated me, who gave me a love of words
Lord I pray forgiveness on those dismissed my ability and even my intention
Lord I pray thanksgiving on those who spoke up for me, who said, ‘give him a chance’…
Lord I pray forgiveness on those who tried to shut me down and shut me up
Lord I pray thanksgiving for a mother’s eyes who looked at with me with pride
Lord I pray forgiveness for a Dad’s hands who held my head as I vomited
Lord I pray in thanksgiving for my talents and abilities
Lord I pray for forgiveness for my selfishness and indifference
(A litany is meant to be prayed out loud, maybe by a few people taking different parts. How about you read the ‘forgiveness’ parts and your husband, wife, partner or friend read the ‘thanksgiving’ parts. Then maybe after a few minutes silence, swap and read the other parts)