This Friday, we celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day. On this day, we remember and appreciate in a special way the birth of our nation. As citizens, we continue to live in challenging and uncertain times, marked by significant division and conflict within our nation. Much of this division and conflict is reported on our nightly news programs. We also live in a society that, over the years, has become more secular in its orientation. There are those in our society who want to take God out of schools, out of our homes, and out of our lives, and in the process, they are distorting our precious freedoms.
As Catholics, we are called to truly cherish in a very special way the many freedoms we enjoy in this country. 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 “Morning Prayer for Independence Day” from the media outlet, “Prayersaves”, asks God for guidance and support of our nation and our people:
Heavenly Father,
As the dawn breaks on this Independence Day,
we rise with hearts brimming with gratitude for the precious gift of freedom.
We thank you for the countless sacrifices that have secured our liberties and shaped our nation’s history.
On this day, we ask for your guidance and protection over our beloved land.
May your wisdom be our compass, your love our foundation, and your grace our strength.
Help us, O Lord, to be responsible stewards of the freedoms we hold dear.
Grant us the courage to uphold justice, equality, and the pursuit of happiness for all.
As we embark on this day, fill our hearts with a deep sense of gratitude, remembrance,
and commitment to the ideals that define our nation.
Bless our leaders, our communities, and every citizen with the wisdom to make choices that honor the legacy of liberty.
In your name, we pray. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, and as we celebrate Independence Day, and as we take time for relaxation and recreation., we are encouraged 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.