America’s Founders intended that a religious spirit be
practiced whenever we celebrated our national independence.
It is amazing that on the day following the approval of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams
was already foreseeing that their actions would be celebrated by future
generations. Adams contemplated whether
it would be proper to hold such celebrations, but then concluded that the day should be commemorated — but in a
particular manner and with a specific spirit.
As he told Abigail: “It ought to
be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” John Adams believed that the fourth of
July should become a religious holiday — a day when we remembered God’s hand of
deliverance and a day filled with religious activities when we recommit
ourselves to God in “solemn acts of devotion.”
As we
prepare to celebrate our country’s independence, let us offer up this prayer as
attributed to George Washington – the ‘father’ of our country:
“Almighty
God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy
holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate
a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a
brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the
United States at large. And finally that
Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy,
and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind
which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion,
and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope
to be a happy nation. Grant our
supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Now, enjoy your cookouts, parades, and
fireworks! And may you have a blessed
Independence Day!
Rev.
Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain
(Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor,
Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel
It has long been a tradition of mine to read the Declaration of Independence on Independence Day. It serves as a reminder of what government's place should be. History has shown time after time that governments will assume more power and steal as much liberty as we allow them.
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