Prayers of the People for Independence Day

All stand or kneel.

The Intercessor says

Trusting in the compassion of God, whose mercy is over all creation, let us pray for the Church and for the world.

For the Church throughout the world; for all bishops, priests, deacons, and laity; that the Church may proclaim the reign of God, welcome the stranger, defend the vulnerable, and bear witness to the reconciling love of Christ.

God of compassion,

Hear our prayer.

For all the peoples and nations of the earth; for an end to war, violence, oppression, and terror; and for the grace to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and seek the good even of those from whom we are divided.


God of compassion,

Hear our prayer.

For refugees, immigrants, and all who live as strangers in lands not their own; for widows and orphans, for the poor and the dispossessed, and for all whose rights, safety, or dignity are threatened; that they may receive justice, food, shelter, and the protection of faithful communities.

God of compassion,

Hear our prayer.

For the good earth which God has entrusted to our care; for the lands and waters, the creatures of the earth, and all upon whom life depends; that we may preserve rather than destroy the beauty and abundance of creation.

God of compassion,

Hear our prayer.

For this community, and for every community in which we live; that we may overcome prejudice and suspicion, honor the dignity of every person, and seek the common good across every division of race, class, nation, party, and belief.

God of compassion,

Hear our prayer.

For all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; for the sick, the lonely, the imprisoned, the unemployed, the grieving, and all who have asked our prayers.

Silence.

That the God who raises those who are bowed down may grant them healing, strength, and hope.

God of compassion,

Hear our prayer.

For those who have died, especially all who died seeking freedom, fleeing violence, serving their neighbors, or longing for a homeland.

Silence.

That they may be received into the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

God of compassion,

Hear our prayer.

 

The Deacon or Intercessor says

Let us pray for this nation and for all who dwell within it; that God may heal our divisions, preserve what is just and good, correct what is corrupt and cruel, and make us a people committed to liberty, justice, and peace.

Silence is kept.

The Celebrant says

Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly pray that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and integrity of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here out of many kindreds and tongues. Give the spirit of wisdom to those to whom we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, do not let our trust in you fail; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Deacon says

Let us pray for the President of the United States, the Governor of this State, the members of Congress and our State Legislature, and all who exercise civil authority; that they may resist corruption, seek truth, protect the vulnerable, and govern for the welfare of the whole people.

Silence is kept.

The Celebrant says

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to your merciful care. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State, and to all in authority wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people. Guide those who make our laws, that they may act with courage, wisdom, and foresight, provide for the needs of all people, and fulfill our obligations within the community of nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Deacon says

Let us pray for judges, magistrates, jurors, attorneys, officers of the courts, and all entrusted with the administration of justice; that no person may be favored because of wealth or power, and that the rights and dignity of all may be protected.

Silence is kept.

The Celebrant says

Almighty God, who sits upon the throne judging rightly: Bless the courts of justice and the magistrates of this land. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, administer the law impartially, safeguard human rights, and serve the cause of justice; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who will come to be our Judge.

Amen.

The Deacon says

Let us pray for ourselves and for all the people of this nation; that we may accept our responsibilities toward one another, seek leaders of integrity, resist hatred and falsehood, and labor together for the well-being of our common life.

Silence is kept.

The Celebrant says

Teach us, O Lord, to rely upon your strength and to accept our responsibilities to our fellow citizens. Give us wisdom to make just decisions, courage to oppose wrongdoing, humility to acknowledge our failures, and grace to serve you faithfully in our generation; for yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.

Amen.


 

Intercessor says

Almighty God, giver of all good things:

We thank you for the natural majesty and beauty of this land.

They restore us, though we often destroy them.

Heal us.

 

We thank you for the great resources of this nation.

They make us rich, though we often exploit them.

Forgive us.

 

We thank you for the men and women who have made this country strong.

They are models for us, though we often fall short of them.

Inspire us.

 

We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been lit in this land.

It has drawn people from every nation, though we have often hidden from its light.

Enlighten us.

 

We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich variety.

It sustains our life, though we have been faithless again and again.

Renew us.

Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, to relieve poverty, to establish justice, and to build communities of safety and peace. Hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name.

The Celebrant concludes

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

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