The Sins of the Fathers

When did this start… what we now hear? -
the cries of children in our ears.
This world of lies and hurt and pain.
Can they be saved? Can we be changed?

These little eyes look up and see the shadows of our history.
Please God our Lord, help us to bury all our swords.

And let not the sins of the fathers fall on our sons or on our daughters.
If nothing is too great for you, help us to do what we must do.

We built our kingdoms, proud and strong.
We lit our lamps and sang our songs.
But tiny hands reach through the flames.
And softly call us by our names.

Let not the sins of the fathers fall on our sons or on our daughters.
We can’t undo what we have done but we can find them- every one- 
and we can bring them safely home and give them what they've never known.
Send down your mercy, God above.
We can find the ones you love. 

Every tear’s a prayer we send for the chance to start again.
If we fall upon our knees could grace undo what history leaves?

Let not the sins of the fathers fall on our sons or on our daughters.
We can’t undo what we have done, but we can find them- every one-
and we can bring them safely home and give them what they've never known.
Send down your grace oh God above.
So we can heal the ones you love.