After the service this past Sunday, one of our parishioners approached me and asked where I had found the prayer for our nation that I offered during the Prayers of the People. I happily directed her to our Book of Common Prayer, 2019. The BCP, as we often call it, is a treasure chest of liturgies and prayers for all occasions, including Independence Day:
Lord God, by your providence our founders won their liberties of old: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to exercise these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
As you celebrate our independence today, I encourage you to take time as well to pray for our nation. Take a look at pages 654-661 in your BCP (or download the “Occasional Prayers” section), and select one or two prayers to share with your gathered friends and families. Here’s one of my favorites:
Heavenly Father, you sent your Son among us to proclaim the kingdom of God in cities, towns, villages, and lonely places. Behold and visit, we pray, each community in the United States of America. Renew the bonds of charity that uphold our civic life. Send us honest and able leaders. Deliver us from poverty, prejudice, and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness, and justice with mercy. And at the last, bring us to your Holy City, the new Jerusalem, where we shall know perfect unity and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the Lord of all nations bless you this Fourth of July.
Your Pastor in Christ,
コメント