DAY 112
Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic
A series of daily reflections for people of faith
by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor
Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland
Week Sixteen – Saturday 4 July 2020
INDEPENDENCE DAY
A WEEK OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION IN CRISIS
A Litany of Thanksgiving, Confession and Petition for the Nation
Almighty God, giver of all good things:
We thank you for the natural majesty and beauty of this land.
They restore us, though we often destroy them.
Heal us.
We thank you for the great resources of this nation.
They make us rich, though we often exploit them.
Forgive us.
We thank you for the men and women who have made this country strong.
They are models for us, though we often fall short of them.
Inspire us.
We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been lit in this land.
It has drawn people from every nation, though we have often hidden from its light.
Enlighten us.
We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich variety.
It sustains our life, though we have been faithless again and again.
Renew us.
Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer: Thanksgivings for National Life.
Today we begin a week of prayer for our nation. In whatever country we live, it is right that we pray for it. May the Holy Spirit focus our prayers and turn us into intercessors for this country.
Reflective question: For what do you most want to pray for our nation? Pray it today.
Reflective Scripture: Proverbs 14:34 – “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
Reflective hymn:
“My Country ‘Tis of Thee” – Samuel Smith (1808-1895)
Our fathers’ God to Thee, Author of liberty to Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light;
Protect us with Thy might, Great God, our King!
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