Prayer Song for America

Proud to be an American?

On this Independence Day, there are many feelings I have toward my country that are anything but pride - shock, outrage, horror, disgust, discouragement, hopelessness. These emotions are overwhelming and paralyzing, but I have been asking God to help transform these emotions into prayer and action.

My Prayer Song for America (an adaptation of "God Bless America"):

God, humble America
Land that I love
Walk beside her
And guide her
Through the night with The Light from above

Pierce the darkness, disclose deception
Rid the nation of violent hate
God, humble America
Before it's too late
God, humble America
Before it's too late

God, forgive America
Cleanse her from sin
Lust for power, greed and gluttony
And purge the racist poison within

Forgive hypocrisy, abusive tyranny,
Manipulation and deceit
God, forgive America
Your mercy we entreat
God, forgive America
Your mercy we entreat

God, heal America
Our divisions and strife
Teach us unity amid diversity
Remind us of the value of every life

Bind the wounded, bridge the chasms
Help us listen and work hand in hand
God, heal America
Our broken land
God, heal America
Our broken land

God, free America
The enslaved and oppressed
Bring relief to the burdened
And comfort to those in distress

Sustain the orphan, protect the stranger
Deliver the captive unjustly chained
God, free America
Let justice reign
God, free America
Let justice reign

God, change America
Help me do my part
Give me courage and wisdom
And begin redeeming work in every heart

Raise new leaders free of corruption
Serving people both great and small
God, change America
To be a home for all
God, change America
To be a home for all

God, bless America
With Your Presence and grace
Not with riches or with power
But with peace and joy from seeking Your face

Let Your people love one another
Acting justly, making peace
God, may America bless the nations
Not bringing war, but making peace
God, may America bless You
May Your praises never cease

May America truly be a "land of the free and the home of the brave" with "liberty and justice for all."
Amen.

***

It has been another very full month. Here are glimpses into our crazy, wild but wonderful life:

A visit from Didi

Isabelle loves the swing!

Swimming lessons

(Too much) Fun in the Sun

Babbles

Mealtime messes

Sitting up like a big girl!

 

7 month old Beauty

Sweet Bellabelle