Sunday, July 4, 2010
Offered by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor

Creator God, we pray for wisdom, courage, and strength to serve you and this nation faithfully today and in the days ahead. Remind us of our duty to promote the general welfare of all people, to secure the blessings of liberty for all without distinction, to see that justice and compassion reign from sea to shining sea, and to advocate for the sharing of the beautiful resources of this land with the whole human family.

We know, O God, that the vision of the United States of America has not been fully realized, but neither has it been abandoned. Remind us that it has been significant to the rest of the world, where echoes and adaptations of it are seen in the governing practices of many nations. You have led us away from slavery and sweatshops, chain gangs and lynch mobs, toward broader opportunity, deeper compassion, fuller equality, and higher justice for all. For this we praise you and are thankful for the heritage of our nation. (Adapted from a prayer for Independence Day by William Sloane Coffin, Prayers from Riverside.)

Still we pray for all whose voice is muffled or goes unheard because of their station in life. Be with those this day, in our own country and around the globe, who are discriminated against, who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, grief, or any other adversity. May they know the embrace of your everlasting arms. We pray that we as a nation are humbled under your authority, and do not use our power in the world to exploit or override the dignity and rights of others. We pray for our nation’s leaders, that you would gift them with wisdom and commitment to work for the common good. May our country, and all peoples, pursue the way that leads to peace. All this we pray in the name of Christ, who taught us to pray together: Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church