a July 4 prayer

Calf Fry Festival, Stillwater, OK, 2014

God, source of all freedom,
this day is bright with the memory
of those who declared that life and liberty
are your gift to every human being. 

Help us to continue a good work begun long ago.
Make our vision clear and our will strong:
that only in human solidarity will we find liberty,
and justice only in the honor that belongs
to every life on earth. 

Turn our hearts toward the family of nations:
to understand the ways of others,
to offer friendship,
and to find safety only in the common good of all. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

[Prayer for July 4 in "Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers," USCC 1988]