Thirty-five-year-old Francis Scott Key wrote
The Star-Spangled Banner in 1814.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for all You’ve given me. Your blessings have been more than enough to keep me from being hungry and cold. And thank You for allowing me to live in a country where I am still free to pray for You and gather in Your name.
On this Independence Day, I am reminded of those who sacrificed and gave their lives so I can live in a country with freedoms only some people dream of. John 15:13 reminds us that Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Bless all the military families who allow their loved ones to show what great courage they hold in their hearts that they are willing to sacrifice their lives for this country.
I pray Father that You continue to protect this country from outside force and from the forces within who would like to destroy it. I pray You put a protective hedge around our military, police, and emergency responders and their families. Too many have been lost in the last year.
Amid all our picnics and firework celebrations, I pray we never forget that You are the reason we have to celebrate. If it hadn’t been for the love You gave us by laying Your life down, we would not know the true meaning of freedom.
Continue to bless this country, Lord, and erase all the anger and animosity in our hearts so we can once again consider ourselves one nation under God.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Feel free to pass this prayer on if you desire. And if you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please let me know so I can pray about the situation.
