PROPERS FOR THE 4TH OF JULY
FOR A SUNDAY NEAR OR ON THE 4TH OF JULY
The Second Opening Collect:
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness, justice, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for all ages of ages. Amen.
A LITANY FOR THE NATION
(This may be used at the end of the Liturgy before the Blessing and Dismissal)
Priest: 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.
People: Heal us, Good Lord.
Priest: We thank you for the great resources of this nation. They make us rich, though we often exploit them.
People: Forgive us, Good Lord.
Priest: 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.
People: Inspire us, Good Lord.
Priest: 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.
People: Enlighten us, Good Lord.
Priest: 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.
People: Renew us, Good Lord.
Priest: 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.
All: Amen.
FOR HEROIC SERVICE
O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for all ages of ages. Amen.
FINAL HYMN
While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer:
God Bless America.
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home
Comments
Post a Comment