On July 4th Americans will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The following words of Benjamin Franklin and a prayer by George Washington before his inauguration may still ring true today as we pray for our nation:
In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for divine protection. Our prayers were heard, and they were graciously answered…Have we now forgotten this powerful friend? Or do we no longer need his assistance?
I have lived a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proof I see of this truth: “that God governs the affairs of man.” And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?
-Ben Franklin to the Constitutional Congress, 1787
Almighty God:
We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection: that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.
And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation.
Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-George Washington, April 30, 1789
(with thanks to Sarah Smith)