This Monday we celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day. On this day, we celebrate the birth of our nation, and we are encouraged to cherish in a very special way the many freedoms we enjoy in this country. These freedoms should never be taken for granted. As we know, we live in difficult and uncertain times, and there is much division and conflict in our nation. Much of this division and conflict is reported in our various media outlets. We also live in a society that over the years, unfortunately, has become more secular in its orientation.
There are those in our society who are attempting to undermine our trust and belief in God, and in the process are distorting our precious freedoms. As previously noted, on our money bills we proclaim “In God We Trust.” As disciples, and as citizens, we are invited to pray that this trust in God may be restored in our nation by our leaders. Our bishops remind us that there is a need to strengthen the moral foundation of our country, a moral foundation based on faith and trust in the Lord. There is also a need to reaffirm our commitment to truly make our country “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The following Prayer for Independence Day by Christine Sine (https://godspacelight.com/ ) asks God to bestow His blessings upon us.
God bless America and all nations of the earth.
Bless us with freedom, that none may be oppressed or unjustly treated.
Bless us with prosperity, that all peoples might share abundantly from the produce of the earth.
Bless us with responsibility, that we may share your good creation.
Bless us with generosity, that the barriers between the haves and have-nots may be broken down.
Bless us with caring, that we might reach out with love and compassion to neighbors everywhere.
Bless us with faith, that we might believe you are creating a new heaven and a new earth, where you will once more dwell in our midst, wiping away our tears, overcoming death and sorrow and pain.
Bless us with eternal life of your kingdom, where together with all the peoples of the earth, we will dwell together in peace and harmony and love. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, and as we celebrate Independence Day, we are encouraged to take time to truly appreciate our faith and freedoms and to be thankful for the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed on us and on our nation.