Friday, July 4, 2014

Praying for America on July 4

Behold America by Rev. John Wallace Suter, 1964, adapted


Behold, O God, this our beloved country:

The old, the young, the little children; rich and poor, ignorant and learned;
The laborers and mangers of industry; workers in factory and mine, office and home;

A people of many traditions, many colors, divergent hopes and fears.

Behold America:

Its mountains and plains, rivers and forests, its inland seas and shining coasts.

Upon this land, upon these people, pour down thy life-giving Spirit of nobility and truth.

Where there is strife, bring cooperation for the common good;

Where greed and envy abound, control us with that divine perspective which sees in every person the dignity of a growing soul;

Where interests clash, set free in us the higher impulse which seeks first thy righteous kingdom, where we may enjoy the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Behold, O Father, this our Nation.
Bless it, make it strong with thy strength, and fill it with the beauty of holiness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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