As we in the Northern Hemisphere officially welcome the start of summer this week, we know the temperatures are heating up, Gracious God. We also know that all around us the heat has been turned up and a spotlight directed at issues like racism that have too often over the course of history been pushed to the back burner. You have created us as beings capable of learning and growing throughout our lives. Open our ears and our hearts to the cries of those who have been ignored, discounted and mistreated for far too long. Be with us, Holy One, in the work of creating the Kingdom of God for all of your children. May our better angels prevail. Hear our prayer. Amen.