Independence Day 2026
Independence Day
July 4, 2026
Dear Parishes of Holy Apostles’ and Grace-Saint Paul’s,
Grace and peace to you on this 250th anniversary of the birthday of this nation!
Today, we remember the efforts of many to give of their last full measure to supply a nation that was free, built upon freedom, and provided that freedom be granted to all its inhabitants, residents, and visitors. We give thanks for the foresight, bravery, and courage to claim this freedom for their progeny. I know that many of us have or have had relatives, or you yourselves were, in various branches of service of our nation, and so this day reaches our hearts in a special way.
In gratitude for the heroic service of so many who helped establish and sustain our country, let us pray together:
O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[A Collect for Heroic Service, BCP 839]
In the joy of this celebration of this Independence Day and idealized freedom that we continue to strive toward, let us pray together:
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
[BCP 242]
Freedom was a goal sought after by people of great faith. Though the motives be noble, the ultimate path was imperfect. Not all people received their freedom within these borders on the same day. We should remember the sin that crept in and maintains its hold that led to the perpetuation of slavery, of ignoring the native peoples, and of impeding the freedom of others in any way, shape, or form. May we approach this day with a remarkable joy and gratitude in the victory on the path toward freedom, and with humility at the work as faithful followers of Christ that remains to assure that this noble and moral goal of freedom is fully achieved – in peace, through peace, and for peace - for ourselves, our neighbors, and our children.
May the gift of freedom so many of us enjoy be used according to the moral guidance of our faith as we pray for the nation:
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
[BCP 258]
Most importantly, may we approach this day through our lives of faith that guides us in how to live as citizens, residents, migrants, or immigrants in this nation. May our faith be our foundation to our approach of what it means to live in this country. May we continue to strive for justice and peace, for reconciliation and restoration, and for true whole-ness built upon the one sure foundation who is Christ. In that same faith, let us recall the words of Saint Paul which remind us of the greater freedom granted us by the grace of our Lord for our very souls.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Saint Paul explains that our faith supplies a freedom by God that far exceeds any earthly measure. This is a freedom of the spirit by the Holy Spirit. May our faith be our strength to remain in the footsteps of Christ that we all may reach the ultimate and final satisfaction in our Lord in the eternal habitations. May we savor the small measure of freedom our country provides and all the more focus our spirits upon what our hearts yearn for in the freedom from sin and judgment. This which was all the more surely granted us by the salvation of Jesus Christ.
May God’s blessing be upon this country and all who serve it that they may do so in accord with the love and peace God desires. Remain in gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy here and now, yet remain even more grateful for the freedom from death and sin that Jesus provides for our souls. May God’s blessing be with each of you for a safe, joyous, and humble celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
In Peace,
Fr. Michael
A Litany of Thanksgivings for National Life
The Book of Common Prayer, 838
Almighty God, giver of all good things: We thank you for the natural majesty and beauty of this land. They restore us, though we often destroy them. Heal us.
We thank you for the great resources of this nation. They make us rich, though we often exploit them. Forgive us.
We thank you for the men and women who have made this country strong. They are models for us, though we often fall short of them. Inspire us.
We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been lit in this land. It has drawn people from every nation, though we have often hidden from its light. Enlighten us.
We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich variety. It sustains our life, though we have been faithless again and again. Renew us.
Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen.