# A Prayer for the Protection of Religious Liberty
*2016-07-03*

> Bill Young shares a prayer for religious liberty on the occasion of the Fourth of July, reflecting on the historical roots of American independence and the need to defend freedom of conscience.

## Historical Context

We celebrate the Fourth of July as the day our nation declared independence. One of the core reasons for that independence was the desire for religious freedom. In the years before 1776, English monarchs—most notably Henry VIII—persecuted saints and bishops, especially in England and Ireland. The founding of the United States gave us the opportunity to enjoy true religious liberty for Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, and people of all faiths.

## The Prayer

O God, our Creator, from your providential hand we have received the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society. We ask you to bless us in our diligence for the gift of religious liberty. Give us strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened. Grant us courage to make our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.

Grant, we pray, O Heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour of our nation’s history, so that with every trial we may stand firm and every danger be overcome for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us. May this great land always be one nation under God, invisible with liberty and justice for all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

## Closing Blessing

God bless you all. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

*May we continually pray for and protect the religious liberty that makes our nation a true witness to the Gospel.*