God bless America, land that I love

Today is July Fourth, Independence Day, the birthday of this beautiful country called the United States of America. Today I remember all the blessings which God has bestowed on us as Americans. How thankful I am for the life I’ve been allowed to have here. Today I absolutely refuse to be an ingrate or politically disgruntled grumpy pants. Today I write and pray because I am free to do so, because I’m the recipient of constitutionally guaranteed rights and privileges unheard of in any other historical epoch and because God who is the authority over this nation’s historical and spiritual destiny deserves to be praised.

Once upon a time a hundred years ago in 1918, Irving Berlin, a Jewish immigrant, wrote the iconic song called “God Bless America.” It became very popular during the second world war and it was sung on Armistice Day in 1938 by Kate Smith. No one could sing it like the amazing Kate . Her rendition still gives goose bumps. Check it out on You tube.

With that same spirit of recognizing God’s blessings toward us, today I offer this prayer:
God bless America. Land that I love.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for every blessing you have poured out on this land and nation. We thank you for America which shines from sea to shining sea. We thank you for the crashing waves upon the oceans, for jagged coastlines, for grain-rich prairies and for mountains’ grandeur. Only You, God, could have displayed such majesty in America. We thank you, Gracious Lord, for protection from all past and present enemies. Our liberty reflects your loving kindness, your grace and your benevolent hand upon us. We thank you for the Christian faith and foundations of our forefathers, which shaped our governing principles. Father, please bless this nation for the times are very troubled. We believe that it is You God who raises up leaders to govern wisely but brings down those who oppose you . Father, bless America, not with material wealth but with the infinite richness of knowing Jesus as our Pilgrim ancestors knew Him. Return us to Yourself, O Lord.

Stand beside her and guide her,
Through the night with the Light from above.

O, God, if a young Jewish immigrant can praise You like this in a song, can we do any less? Please be present to us today and in the next months as our country moves through times of great challenges. Lord, as Americans we need restoration with one another. Guide us to love freely and to forgive, especially our enemies. You are the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow and do not change. Your Word will not fail if we listen to Your Voice and humble ourselves. Guide us in repentance for our transgressions toward you. Forgive us for disrespecting the godly heritage we’ve been given. I ask that the Light of Jesus shines forth in every Christian, in every church and assembly to be light and salt to our nation. Empower us by the Holy Spirit to stand fast in faith and to rely on You alone for the future of America.

God, please bless America, still our home sweet home on earth.