A Prayer for the United States | July 4

On Independence Day, let us pray:

Almighty and gracious God, you have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us remember your generosity and do your will. Bless our land with honesty in the workplace that all might have meaningful labor, integrity in the government, truth in education, and honor in daily life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from envy and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Defend our liberties, and give us those things that are best for us. Help us care for new immigrants and refugees among us. May we remember that to whom much is entrusted, much is expected. Give to those whom you call and we elect to be our leaders the grace of wisdom, understanding, and truth-telling, that there might be true justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. We pray all these things, and whatever else you know that we need, in the strong and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

–prayer from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, adapted. Offered in the liturgy on June 30.