Lord of all creation,
 
You hold all things in your hands. 
 
We acknowledge that in our quest for worldly crowns we have often missed your voice and your activity in our lives. Give us eyes to see the world as you see it. Lead us to delight in you and you alone. We seek to be united with you in your redemptive work. 
 
 
Bring renewal to our lives that we might toil for the things you care most about. Raise up a generation of new believers, new communities, new churches that live passionately as apostolic, Spirit-filled agents of your grace and truth in a broken and rebellious age.
 
Lord, help us to be your Gospel to the rich and the poor, the young and the old, the healthy and the sick. Break our hearts for the things that break yours. Unite us through your Spirit to point a generation toward an authentic faith that calls us out into mission in the world. 
 
Have your way in us, Lord, that through us all people might be transformed into faithful servants of Christ. Unite us with you so that your kingdom might come on earth as it is in heaven. 
 
We ask all this in the name of the one who showed us the fullness of your love. 
 
In Christ's name, 
 
Amen. 
 
 
Ray Hughes is an elder in the Texas Conference. In 2008 Ray had the honor of leading the launch of a second campus of The Foundry United Methodist Church in northwest Houston, TX.  Ray is married to his high school sweetheart Jacqueline.  The Hughes have a six year-old, a five year-old, and a three year old, so there aren’t many dull moments around their home.  You can connect with Ray online at www.twitter.com/rayhughes or www.rhughes.wordpress.com.