On this Independence Day, we thank you for the gift of freedom, for the courage of those who fought to secure it, and for the opportunity to live in “the land of the free and home of the brave.”

Lord, we remember the sacrifices made by countless individuals who laid down their lives to establish and protect our liberty. May their bravery and dedication never be forgotten, and may we honor their memory by living in ways that honor their sacrifice.

We also pray for those around the world who do not yet enjoy freedom but live under threat and in fear of harsh and unjust regimes. And we pray for those who are fighting for their freedom even now that they may be victorious.

Especially today, we pray for our nation, asking for your guidance and wisdom for our leaders. Grant them the discernment to make just and righteous decisions that uphold the values of freedom and equality for all. Inspire us as freedom-loving citizens to engage actively and responsibly in our civic duties, building a culture of mutual respect and understanding.

During this season of celebration, we are also deeply burdened. Regardless of our personal ideology or perspective, we are concerned about things like the abuse of political power, the threat of terrorism, the divisiveness of harsh and misleading rhetoric, a lack of civil discourse, a growing sense of moral anarchy, the escalation of war, and the possibility of another natural disaster. We have an elevated sense of anxiety about the leadership of our government, the stability of our economy, and the future of our world.

And we confess that these anxieties all too frequently divert us from our mission to care for the “least of these” among us and to “love mercy, act justly, and walk humbly” with you.

We ask, O God, that you bless our land with a revival of unity. Heal the divisions that separate us and let us find common ground in our shared love for this country and the freedoms it represents. May we always strive to extend these blessings to those who are oppressed and marginalized, both within our borders and beyond.

Bless this land and its people. May our actions reflect your love and grace, and may we use our freedom to serve you and others with compassion, integrity, and humility.

Because you are the freedom-loving God, lead us to exercise our freedom responsibly and to pursue “liberty and justice for all” people across our nation and around the globe.

We pray in the strong name of the One who came to make us free indeed. Amen.