Prayer Offered for July 2, 2026
Upon invitation of the President, the following prayer was offered by Guest Chaplain Sharondalyn Y. DuPree, EdS, MDiv:
Creator God, Source of Hope and Liberty, on the eve of this Independence Day, we gather not simply to celebrate a moment in history, but to honor a living story: a story written in courage, sacrifice, struggle, and the enduring hope of a nation still becoming.
Two hundred fifty years ago, a flame was kindled. Not a flame belonging to one generation alone, but a flame entrusted to all who would follow, carried through wars, hardships, and seasons when the nation was challenged to live more fully into its own ideals.
Today, as we are still challenged, when we face a world where trust is often fragile, community divided, and where some may wonder whether the promise of America and freedom still resonates: Grant us the courage not to turn away from these challenges and to meet them with humility and wisdom.
On this 250th anniversary, may we honor the light of what has been, heal what remains broken, and faithfully carry forward the enduring torch of freedom.
Renew our flame.—AMEN.
