A Prayer for Patriotism

 Here’s an excerpt from the pastoral prayer I prayed on Sunday, July 4.  

Today many in our nation are celebrating the anniversary of our declaration of independence 245 years ago. As Christians, there is much to celebrate about our nation, alongside our neighbors and friends.  

We thank you for the freedoms most Americans have enjoyed for many years.

Freedoms like the right to freely exercise our religious beliefs, freedom of speech, and the freedom to peaceably assemble.

We are benefiting from these freedoms as a church even today, and its because of these freedoms that America continues to be one the most free societies in human history.

No, we have not always applied these freedoms fairly. From the scourge of slavery in our nation’s beginnings to the abomination of abortion today, we have miserably fallen short of our own ideals, let alone your perfect law. For these, and other evils, we repent.

But despite these sins, we have much to be thankful for and many reasons to cultivate a healthy patriotism as followers of Jesus.

Protect us from ungratefully dismissing the goodness and beauty of America. Help us not to believe the lies that would tell us there is no reason to be patriotic.

Protect us from ignorantly dismissing our past and present evils, or from acting as if Americans are your chosen people. Help us not to believe the lies that would turn patriotism into idolatry.

Help us to love America best by loving her less than we love You and Your people.

In the name of our King, Jesus Christ, the Lord of Nations, Amen.