Dear Lord, bless America on this, its birthday:
Bless the men and women who have served in uniform to defend her, especially those who were required to fight in wars, whether just or unjust;
Bless the women and men who have struggled to prevent war, especially those who have stood against the will of their government and the majority of their fellow-citizens;
Bless the families who have lost loved ones, especially those who grieve in face of violent, unnecessary, and unjust loss;
Bless the men and women who have worked to restore the lives of those affected by conflict, disaster, and personal trauma, especially those who have labored in the aftermath of our country’s actions or inactions;
Bless the women and men who serve our communities, especially those who are willing to sacrifice their lives or reputations for the common good;
Bless the men and women who give of their own free time to help others, especially those who have little free time to begin with;
Bless the women and men who go to work every day to provide decent lives for their families, especially those whose work is undervalued, underpaid, or threatened;
Bless the men and women who give generously to those who have less, especially those who sacrifice from their ordinary incomes rather from their surplus wealth;
Bless the women & men who are unemployed, especially those who have become discouraged and no longer look for work;
Bless the men and women who teach in our schools, especially those who feel overworked, demoralized, or attacked;
Bless the men and women of all religions who work to realize your will on earth, especially those who speak your word with fearless and prophetic voices;
Bless those women and men without religion or faith who nevertheless strive to bring about a just and moral world, especially those who work hand-in-hand with people of faith;
Bless our children, who are the hope of our future.
In the words of St Francis, Lord, make America an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let America and Americans sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, Grant that America and Americans may not seek…
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For, as you have taught us…
It is in giving that we will receive,
It is in pardoning that we will be pardoned,
And it is by dying to the ways of pride, selfishness, and injustice that we will be reborn to the promise that is “America.”
Amen.
