O loving and gracious God,
On this upcoming weekend, we honor our shared heritage as Americans as we celebrate the Presidents who have served our nation. In his farewell address as President, George Washington desired to bring us closer together by reminding us that "Citizens by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate Your affections. The name of AMERICAN, which belongs to You, in Your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations."
He reminds us that more than we are Republicans or Democrats, liberals, conservatives or moderates, we are all Americans, a shared legacy to protect, and a shared responsibility to cherish.
Holy and Loving God, we pray for the well-being of our Nation, and all who serve it. May the actions of those who lead us be guided with wisdom and compassion, for in their hands is a sacred trust. May the Holy One bring blessings and well being, and a sense of peace and security to the lives of all people.
May this be God`s will.-AMEN
