Prayerfully Celebrate Independence

It's time to celebrate our nation's birthday and the many freedoms we enjoy. Safely enjoy the picnics, fireworks and other festivities. And remember God as part of the celebration.

Fortnight for Freedom events conclude with holy hours 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. today and 8 a.m. on the Fourth of July, followed by a 9 a.m. Mass.

And below are a few prayers, borrowed from Catholic Online (catholic.org).

Prayer for our Nation (U.S.A)

God our Father,

Giver of life,

we entrust the United States of America to Your loving care.

You are the rock on which this nation was founded.

You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life,

liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Reclaim this land for Your glory and dwell among Your people.

Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation´s leaders.

Open their minds to the great worth of human life

and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom.

Remind Your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing Your will.

Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate,

Patroness of our land,

grant us the courage to reject the "culture of death."

Lead us into a new millennium of life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer for Government Leaders

God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through You authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed. Assist with Your Spirit of counsel and fortitude the president and other government leaders of these United States. May they always seek the ways of righteousness, justice and mercy. Grant that they may be enabled by Your powerful protection to lead our country with honesty and integrity. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

A Prayer, For Those in the Military

Almighty God

We stand before You in supplication,

Asking Your Divine mercy and protection,

To envelop with Your invincible armor,

Our loved ones in all branches of the service.

Give them courage and strength

Against all enemies,

Both spiritual and physical,

And hasten their safe journey,

Back to their homes and families.

If it be Your holy will

That they be gathered to Your bosom,

With the eternal vanguard of the saints,

Let their journey to Your everlasting arms

Be swift and painless,

Where they may stand in honor and glory,

Praising You for all eternity.

Amen.

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.