Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, God in three Persons, blessed Trinity, we mark out time this day and ask you to hallow it as we worship, celebrate, and reunite with you and to one another. As you have called Abraham to build a great nation, you have called us through Jesus Christ to build your realm among the neighborhoods and communities in our world.

You have called us to build a realm of justice…

You have called us to build a realm whereby all people are to be treated and loved as children of Light of the Almighty God –

• gay people,
• old people,
• young people,
• colored people,
• rich people,
• dumb people,
• poor people,
• homeless people,
• ugly people,
• smart people,
• ostentatious people, and
• straight people.

Lord, it is so easy in a place like Fort Lauderdale flush with wealth, beauty, style, and large boats and fancy cars to get lost in the extravagant trappings of this world; convict us, Spirit, to turn the rug over so we can see the knots and mistakes on the underside of our community where your ministry is called to go and make a difference. Light a fire under your churches and faith communities to invest in the social fabric and capital of our city.  Let the people see and know that the Church of Jesus Christ is full of and known for our love as opposed to radical nationalism, bigotry, or political zealousness.

• We pray for single parents trying to navigate work as well as how to care for their children this summer.
• We pray for our teachers and professors who wonder if they can navigate all the bureaucracy and scrutiny they are under while attempting to help our students think critically.
• We pray for the executives in our city’s board rooms and city hall that their decisions will be done ethically and for the good of the larger community.
• Lord, we are mindful of those who serve in the hospitality industry in our community upon which much of our economy derives its strength.
• There are those struggling with decisions relating to their job and employment, give them eyes to see and hope to buoy their dreams.
• Watch over those who watch out for us – those in law enforcement, fire departments, sanitation, and our women and men serving in harm’s way.

Hold tenderly the hearts of those who have lost a dear one in death and grant strength and healing to those who are ill or who are waiting for medical test results. Oh, Merciful One, there are so many prayers yet so little time to offer them. Search our hearts and hear them all as we now turn ourselves to you and pray the prayer Jesus taught his followers…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, they will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom, the and the glory forever. Amen!