Praying for our Nation from the Book of Common Prayer

The Propers

for

Independence Day (July 4)

Below are the appointed Psalms, Lessons, and Collect(s) for the commemoration of our nation’s Independence (a recognized Holy Day in the Church’s Calendar). In addition, appropriate antiphons and prayers are appended, allowing for a fuller observance of this commemoration.

At Morning Prayer

Invitatory: Use the antiphon appointed for Trinity Sunday

Antiphon

Let the earth fear the Lord; let all who dwell in the world stand in awe of him.

Psalm 33

First Reading: Ecclesiasticus 10:1-8, 12-18

Antiphon on the First Canticle

Your ways are ways of righteousness and truth, O  King of all the ages.

Canticle 19 (Magna et mirabilia)

Second Reading: James 5:7-10

Te Deum laudamus

Collect

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

or

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

At the Eucharist

Hymn of Praise: Gloria in excelsis

Collect as at Morning Prayer

First Lesson: Deuteronomy 10:17-21

Psalm: 145 or 145:1-9

Second Lesson: Hebrews 11:8-16

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 5:43-48

Preface of Trinity Sunday

[Trinity Sunday Blessing]

At Noonday

Antiphon

Your kingdom, O Lord, is an everlasting kingdom; your dominion endures throughout all ages.

Psalm 145

Short Reading

Peter opened his mouth and said, Truly I perceive that God shown no partiality, but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. Acts 10:34-35

Collect as at Morning Prayer

At Evening Prayer

Antiphon

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy, and the wonders he does for his children.

Psalm 107:1-32

First Reading: Micah 4:1-5

Antiphon on Magnifact

The Lord has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.

Second Reading: Revelation 21:1-7

Antiphon on Nunc dimittis

My eyes, O Lord, have seen your salvation

Collect as at Morning Prayer

Additional Prayers:

A Litany for our Nation

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.

Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

Teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

We thank you, Lord, 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.

For our Country

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners.  Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world:  We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace.  Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.  Amen.

For Congress or a State Legislature

O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: We beseech thee so to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled (or in the Legislature of this State, or Commonwealth), that they may enact such laws as shall please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

For Courts of Justice

Almighty God, who sittest in the throne judging right: We humbly beseech thee to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this land; and give unto them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the law in the fear of thee alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.