Bishop Dwayne Royster
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Opening Prayer at City Council, March 20th, 2014

3/24/2014

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Let us pray.

Eternal God, we ask your blessing on this session of City Council and for each of its members. As these City Council members gather today, they will make decisions that impact upon the lives of the 1.6 million citizens of Philadelphia.

These citizens of this city come from all walks of life, including different ethnicities, socioeconomic levels, various Generations, some from the North, some from the South, some the West and some from the Southwest, some from the Northwest and some from the Northeast. Each of these communities has an expectation that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.

This day, I pray that every vote cast is reflective of the question that the Prophet Micah posed, “What does the Lord require? That you do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God?” I pray that every vote cast is not made for the sake of political expediency but is measured with justice and mercy. For those issues that ignite great passion and debate, we pray that the words and actions of our leaders would be seasoned with grace and Your love.

O Divine One, that has the ability to heal that which has been divided, we would ask that Your presence would govern the work of this body today. Lead those who have been called in this season to legislate this City.

Help our City Council to remember the poor.  Remember sub contracted airport workers like Onetha Mcknight, who has testified before this Council who helped create record profits for the big airlines but who get paid so little they must rely on food stamps and medicaid to survive who although working full time have no benefits and are paid less than minimum wage. 

Remember the hungry who desire knowledge and thirst for education, like Simoneon and Skylar, but are unable to have a quality education because their schools have no nurse, no counselor and often no paper.  Remember the marginalized who based on age, gender, race or physical capability have not been able to find justice.  Remember those living in fear who are afraid that they or a family member could be deported at any time. Remember the sick who do not have paid sick days to take off from work and the afflicted like the many returning citizens who desire to work and find opportunity in this city.

We pray that the decisions of this City Council may bring peace, opportunity and prosperity to the various conditions of its most fragile citizens. We are reminded by Your Word, to whom much is given, much is required.

May these, Your daughters and sons, to have courage to fight for whose names will never be heard in these chambers, may this council be guided by You this day and forever. In your holy Name we pray, Amen.
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    Bishop Dwayne D. Royster, a leading voice in modern faith-based activism, wants to change the world. Whether he is serving as a pastor, challenging the status quo as a political activist, educating and empowering communities as a radio show host, or encouraging and inspiring audiences around the country as a writer and public speaker, Bishop Royster’s work is fueled by deep faith and passionate commitment to bringing about social justice.

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