INVOCATION
Invocation by Rev. Dr. Richard Griffiths, Lead Pastor of Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene
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176 sec
Rev. Dr. Richard Griffiths delivers an invocation prayer, expressing gratitude for the council members and the city's diversity. He prays for wisdom, compassion, and justice in decision-making, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of the marginalized and fostering unity amidst diversity.
Richard Griffiths
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Good afternoon.
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It's a privilege to be a part of this convening today and open this time of critical dialogue and legislation with an invocation of prayer.
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Thank you to speaker Adams, majority leader Farias, and my councilman from the Bronx, honorable Kevin Riley, for this invitation.
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Would you please bow your heads as we look to the lord in prayer?
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Let us pray.
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Lord Jesus, your word says to pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests And to be alert, always praying for the Lord's people.
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And this living God is an occasion to seek you.
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Thank you, Lord God, for the miracle of today in breathing the breath of life into our lungs.
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Thank you for these council members who are here today as representatives and advocates chosen by your people and allowed by you.
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Thank you for their commitments to and passion for your beloved people.
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We thank you for the residents of this city, its richness and its diversity.
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Help us to see the beauty of difference in how you've called your people to unity amidst our diversity.
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Lord, we pray that the matters at hand today would transcend partisanship and emphasize humanity.
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That hearts would be filled with unity and marked by postures of collaboration and peace.
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True Shalom that comes from you and is accessible to us.
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This chamber wrestles with the complexities of the human condition.
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Grant this council your wisdom, which you have promised to give generously to anyone who asks of you without finding fault.
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When asked of you, give them your acumen to listen and to discern both the immediate and long term effects of each issue and decision.
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Give this assembly the courage to be compassionate.
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We pray that justice and mercy and compassion would be the priorities that would saturate this convening and each discussion.
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Lord, we pray that your kingdom, the kingdom of God, would be their benchmark.
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We pray for humility and patience and also decisiveness for those things that are both urgent and important.
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Help your people today who carry heavy loads and great responsibilities.
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Today, I come against apathy and indifference, but I pray for true servant hearts, hearts that are more interested in caring than being correct.
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Lord, we remember those who are often forgotten, the widow, the immigrant, the fatherless, the impoverished, and the imprisoned, many of whom are exploited and are experiencing pure poor and inhumane living conditions.
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Cause this council to plead their cases and to act to transform their realities.
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I bring before you each representative, their support staff, and their families, and pray that you would bless them and overshadow them with your presence and love.
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Lord, we look to you for their covering and protection.
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Now to the king eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be glory and honor forever and ever.
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We pray these things in Jesus' name.
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Amen.
