It is a privilege to live in a country that God has blessed with the freedom to worship Him and gather together as a church community. This freedom shouldn't be taken for granted. There are other countries that do not allow their citizens to worship God freely and, even worse, where Christians are persecuted and killed. On this patriotic weekend of 4th of July, let's give thanks for our precious religious freedom and pray for the persecuted church.
One memorable, patriotic song comes to mind as a prayer for our nation that was written by Irving Berlin in 1918 during World War 1 and revised by him during World War 2. Berlin was Jewish and came to America from Russia. As Hitler's regime was on the rise, Irving wrote these lyrics as a song for peace. There is a very thoughtful introduction to the song that is hardly ever heard these days. It goes like this: "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 through the night with the LIGHT from above; From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam, GOD bless America, my home sweet home."
Let's fervently pray for our nation and ask God to lead us and guide us through the storms and give us victory over the darkness. Lord, draw us close to You and awaken us to Your great mercy, grace, and love. With humble hearts we come before You, Lord and seek your face. Establish us in peace. Thank you for being faithful to every generation as You show us your salvation. In Jesus' holy name we ask, Amen.
