July 4th

Tomorrow we celebrate the 4^th of July.  For many this means barbecues, getting together, and being with family and friends.  Let us pray for our nation this day and every day.

God, source of all freedom,

this day is bright with the memory

of those who declared that life and liberty

are your gift to every human being.

Help us to continue a good work begun long ago.

Make our vision clear and our will strong:

that only in human solidarity will we find liberty,

and justice only in the honor that belongs

to every life on earth.

Turn our hearts toward the family of nations:

to understand the ways of others,

to offer friendship,

and to find safety only in the common good of all.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

Prayer taken from the Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, Revised Edition, copyright © 2007, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.