". . . and having done all . . . stand firm." Eph. 6:13

Commentary

An Independence Day Prayer

July 3, 2022

On July 4, 2022, the United States of America will celebrate its 246th anniversary of proclaiming its independence from England by signing the Declaration of Independence. The first use of the name Independence Day began in 1791, and celebrations became common after the War of 1812.

Independence Day is now widely celebrated from coast to coast and border to border. You can find patriotic celebrations throughout the United States, and it is by far the most patriotic of any other celebrations we see in the United States. I believe those that signed the Declaration of Independence were grateful for where they found themselves as they had a vision that this nation would be a place where “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” could define America.

We know from history that of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, most, if not all, considered themselves Christian. While the Declaration of Independence was not a religious document, God used followers of Christ to unify this nation. Many events throughout the country are labeled “God and Country Celebrations” which I believe are an outgrowth of our forefathers’ love for God and this country.

Today, we can celebrate God and give thanks to those who sacrificed much for the freedoms we share as a nation and for the beauty of this country. We can also be people who commit to praying for our country. While we can pray for many things for our country today, I urge you to pray these scriptures as you give thanks to God for the United States of America.

1 Peter 2:16 – “Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God.”

Romans 6:14 – “For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but under grace.”

Luke 4:18-19 – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

Psalm 118:5-6 – “I called to the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and put me in a spacious place. The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Isaiah 61:1 – “The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners.”

Psalm 119:30-32 – “I have chosen the way of truth; I have set Your ordinances before me. I cling to Your decrees; Lord, do not put me to shame. I pursue the way of Your commands, for You broaden my understanding.”

John 8:31-32 – “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”

Psalm 119:43-47 – “Never take the word of truth from my mouth, for I hope in Your judgments. I will always obey Your instruction, forever and ever. I will walk freely in an open place because I seek Your precepts. I will speak of Your decrees before kings and not be ashamed. I delight in Your commands, which I love.”

2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, at such a time in our nation, we praise you for creating us and allowing us to live in the United States of America. Lord Jesus, we humbly call upon you to forgive our nation and us for not keeping you first in our lives and our country. As individuals and as a nation, Lord, we confess that we have sinned against You and ask for Your forgiveness. Lord, may we return to You our first love, the One who first loved us and gave His son Jesus to die on the cross so that we could have a life here on this earth and life eternal. On this 246th anniversary of America’s Independence, may our eyes look to you, may our hearts be pure, and may our actions exemplify You, and may our faith increase daily as we declare that our trust is in you, God, and You alone. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

Pastor Jay Johnston is the National Prayer Director and Chaplain at Family Research Council.