Independence Day!

I love America! It's a great privelege to live here, for too many reasons to list. So Happy Birthday to my country and I hope she enjoys many more. She's looking good for a 234-year old!



The following is from The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church. Of course it seems appropriate today, but I can't think of an inappropriate day to give thanks for her, and keep in mind that we need to do better. Note: when the prayer is read aloud, the words in italics are the congregational response.


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, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name.
Amen.