Collect for Independence Day Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer, p. 242
Today as our country pauses to honor the work of our forefathers’, other places in the world are reeling with war, we need to offer our prayers to God for the ability to have our freedom and have the ability to celebrate that freedom. I think the Fourth of July has become a lot like many of our other holidays. A commercialized opportunity for business to promote their products and services forgetting the real reason why we celebrate this day. Freedom comes at a cost; I know we have days we honor those who have given their lives for our freedom and a day we honor those veterans who have given of their time and kept our freedom for us. Today is really a combination of those days where we can honor all those who have protected us and continue to protect us. So, as this holiday rolls around again, let’s do fireworks and cookouts, parades, and picnics. As we celebrate, we need to stop and remember all those who have given so much for our freedom. But primarily, may we as a nation heed the words of our first president and use this day as an opportunity to, as George Washington said, “… acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”
Let us Pray: Gracious God, on this day in which Americans celebrate our independence, we offer prayers for our country and its leaders and for the world. First, we thank you for all the ways you have blessed us as a nation. Though our nation is far from perfect, nevertheless, it has been the source of much goodness, both for American citizens and for the world. In particular, we thank you today for the freedom we have to worship you and live out our faith without fear. In today’s world, this is nothing to take for granted…even though we do so often take it for granted. Second, we pray for our leaders today. we pray for President Joe Biden and his administration, for those who serve in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, for members of the of our court systems, for the leaders of the U.S. Military and for all who serve our government, and we pray for all Governors. And we pray for the leaders of our cities. Grant to all of these leaders your wisdom. Give them hearts that seek you and your truth. Guide them in your ways. All praise be to you, King of kings, because you are the ultimate authority in this universe. You are always right, always good, always gracious, always just. Amen.
Reflections by Bob 