Tuesday, July 04, 2006 

Praying on the 4th of July

Today I was driving past a church and noticed their sign that said: "Pray for those who keep us free." As I drove on, I followed their admonition (with my eyes opened, mind you). But I couldn't help but feel as though, despite the fact that such a recommendation was completely noble, there was still something profoundly inadequate about it for the church in America on this Independence Day. I love our country. I love its people. I love its history. I love its geography. And I love its best intentions (despite how far short of them we have fallen from the very beginning). But as a Christian I have an obligation, laid on me by the Lord himself, to love more than just those I count as "my own."

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matt. 5:43-48)

In light of Christ's words from the Sermon on the Mount, I invite you to join me in praying these prayers from the Book of Common Prayer:

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

2:44 PM | |