happy 4th of July!

photo source here

God of all peoples and nations, 

you have called those who live in this land 

to pursue your vision of freedom, justice, 

and peace for all. Keep us faithful to your gifts, 

that we may use them for the world's good 

and the good of our own nation, 

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  

                                   Amen  

                                   [from today's Morning Prayer]

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]

4 de julio, let us pray

Father of all nations and ages,

we recall the day when our country

claimed its place among the family of nations;

for what has been achieved we give you thanks,

for the work that still remains we ask your help,

and as you have called us from many peoples to be one nation,

grant that, under your providence,

our country may share your blessings

with all the peoples of the earth.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

[from July 4 Mass, Collect Prayer]