An Independence Day Prayer

Dear God,

We thank you for freedom, and on this day especially, we give thanks for the freedom we enjoy as Americans.  We are reminded that we are Christians first, followers of Jesus above all else, and while we are thankful for the ways that being American make it easy to be a Christian, we are mindful to not fall prey to the ways it is more difficult.

We thank you for men and women of good intent who have built this nation and defended her freedom.  May we take this freedom as a blessing from You and share it with the world.  We also lift up our many errors and mistakes from the past God, and humbly ask your forgiveness for the wrongs committed under the banner of our land under which we celebrate today.  We do not hide from these transgression nor do we ignore them, because we fully trust that in Christ, all wrongs can be turned for the right when your people pray and humbly turn from their ways.

We give you great thanks for the mighty witness of Christian brothers and sisters who continue to claim your name without the benefit of the political, social, or economic freedoms that we enjoy.  We pray for the persecuted Lord and ask that you teach us how to serve them in their struggles.

We celebrate our history and look ahead in hope on this day God.  We pray for our leaders as we move into the future.  President, Congress, courts, and local assemblies--God give them wisdom to do their jobs well.  Give us also the wisdom to do our and to exercise a true freedom.

We come to this day with great joy around the awesome fruits that can grow through the freedom of man.  Give us even greater joy in understanding the even greater fruit that can grow through the freedom of Christ.  We know God that the best of any nation lies beyond the power of any other but you, either to give or take away.  Because of this we pledge our allegiance first to you--

Our Father, who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on Earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us of our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
Forever!