Happy Sunday, friends! As we close out this Independence Day weekend, let’s focus our prayers on our nation.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.
~Galatians 5:1

Lord, Your gift of freedom and grace established our nation and sustains us day by day. With hearts of gratitude, we give you praise on this 250^th anniversary of our nation’s founding, recognizing that our liberty is granted by You and protected by our founding documents.  Please uphold our sinful nation with your mercy and grant us Your forgiveness.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!
~Psalm 133:1

In a nation ripping at the seams, we acknowledge that You alone, O God, can bring unity when none seems possible. Please replace hatred with respect and common courtesy.  May we see one another as creatures of Your creation, created in Your image. In the heart of every believer, bring revival leading to unity in our homes, communities, and government, so that righteousness and unity reign throughout our land.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
~Proverbs 29:2

Father, may America’s leaders be drawn to righteousness as You guide them. Grant them wisdom to benefit our people, and bring Godly counsel to guide them in both humility and justice.  Protect us from wicked rulers and restore our Judeo-Christian foundation, that we may rejoice.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 
~John 14:27

Praise Your Name, O Lord, that the peace we seek is found only in You! Thank you for the peace we have enjoyed in America, and for Your peace that rules in our hearts.  May Your presence bring stability in place of chaos and hope in place of despair.

As we celebrate America’s 250^th birthday, may we never take Your blessings for granted, and may we honor You in this celebratory year and forever.  Pour out Your mercy on us, Lord, and draw America back to You!

In the Name of Jesus, our Savior and Sustainer,
Amen