We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men [persons] are created equal,
That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights,
That among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
(Adapted from the Declaration of Independence.)
Gracious God, of the past, present, and future: as we celebrate the birthday of our national independence, we confess our ongoing dependence on You. We pray that we will continue to make real the courage of our forefathers and foremothers in these tempestuous days. May our freedom of speech serve to build community and collaboration; may our freedom of worship lead us to gratitude for all we have received; and may our freedom from want and fear enrich us with creative ideas for ensuring the life, liberty, and happiness of our brothers and sisters in need. May all that is high and fine in us rise to greet each new day confident that we will achieve the ideals that we know to be self-evident.—AMEN.
(Adapted from the July 5, 1943 United States Senate Prayer by Chaplain, Rev. Frederick Brown Harris, D.D.)
