Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. (Proverbs 14:34 NLT)
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
(2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)
“Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.” – John Adams
Two hundred forty-nine years ago this month, the signers of the Declaration of Independence released a document that not only gave birth to our nation but also inspired movements for freedom around the world. We celebrate the founding of “These United States of America” on July 4, yet our history has been marked by extraordinary achievements, profound trials, and everything in between. I believe it is only by God’s grace and the prayers of his people that this nation still endures today.
I’ve heard two snippets of stories lately that remind me to keep praying for our nation.
In the first, two radio DJ’s were examining a survey that said the top concern for Americans wasn’t economic woes or foreign policy, but about the state of the nation – our division and strife.
In the second – and I can’t recall where I heard or read this – someone was discussing a mouse experiment in which the animals were placed in a so-called “utopian” environment. Despite having all their physical needs met, the society eventually collapsed—parents began neglecting their young, and the population died out. The breakdown was attributed to the loss of social roles, structure, and meaning. The author used this to highlight how essential meaningful social bonds are for holding a nation together.
It doesn’t take too much imagination to see these troubling things in the United States today.
While you and I may or may not have different understandings of why we as a nation got to where we are, or how to make improvements, on this July 4, I believe we must continue to pray for this nation.
In her 1893 poem “America the Beautiful,” Katherine Lee Bates said, in part:
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!
This seems like a good place to start.
God,
We thank You for guiding the formation of this nation and for leading and blessing her throughout history. We are grateful for the many people who have prayed for this country over the years, and we ask you to continue that work.
As we celebrate July 4th today, we also pause to pray and intercede on behalf of this nation. We ask that your Spirit pour out revival upon your Church, bring reformation to our culture, and restore the societal bonds that hold a nation together.
Where we have sinned, help us to repent and move forward with grace. When we have ignored the lessons of the past or neglected to invest in our future, give us wisdom to recognize and correct our mistakes.
Above all, we pray that you would unite this nation, crowning her with brotherhood so that she remains strong and cohesive. Pour out your grace upon us, heal our every flaw, and grant us self-control. May all our laws align with your perfect will, leading to greater liberty and responsible freedom for all citizens.
We ask these things in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23 NIV)