Oh God, you are justice incarnate.

Your path leads to life.

You gave mankind grace

To endure this world of strife.

Your judgment is swift,

But Your justice is fair

Because you see our hearts

And know our every care.

You see what motives hide

Within the doer’s soul,

And understand the why

And know what was the goal.

You know the truth that lay

Beneath each action we take,

And in our darkest hours

Your children you don’t forsake.

With mercy as Your measure,

You look upon our deeds,

And judge us not with harshness,

But according to our needs.

And, if we need chastisement,

You use a gentle hand.

Because of Your love for us

Repentance is Your only demand.

Yes, Oh God, Your name is justice,

But forgiveness is you gift

Because the simple act of asking

Can repair almost any rift

Our sin has caused between mankind and Thee,

And that loving forgiveness

Is what sets men’s souls free.

© 2005 Bobbi Ann Duffy