When Cain killed Abel in a fight
and Jacob stole another's right,
when Joseph's brothers gave him chase,
God wept, and mourned their fall from grace.

In every family, small or great,
when jealousy twists love to hate
and rivals turn to enemies,
God weeps at our hostilities.

And when in church and world today
such feelings still come into play,
when brothers, sisters stand apart,
God weeps for every broken heart.

Good Christians, join in God's lament,
weep now and mourn, be penitent,
and pray to God: Forgive us all.
Restore us as before our fall.