Independence Day, 2026

 

~ A Prayer For Today ~

 

Our Father Who are in heaven,

 

There is no greater feeling of liberty than to experience freedom from sin and death that You provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are free to praise You. For this, I am very thankful.

 

On this Independence Day, I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

 

Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that a very high price was paid for my freedom. My freedom cost others their very lives.

 

Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty, meet their needs and watch over their families.

 

Father, I am so thankful for this nation. For all the sacrifices others have made to build and defend this country, I am grateful. Thank you for the opportunities and freedoms we have in the United States of America. Help me never to take these blessings for granted.

 

Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies You, Lord. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone's life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Jesus Christ.

 

In Your name I pray.

 

Amen (from an unknown source)

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is added.

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Facebook page: Robert Lloyd Russell

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USA Heritage

 

~ A Congressional Prayer for Independence Day ~

 

“Eternal God, stir Thou our minds and stimulate our hearts with a high sense of patriotism as we approach the Fourth of July. May all that this day symbolizes renew our faith in freedom, our devotion to democracy, and redouble our efforts to keep a government of the people, by the people, and for the people truly alive in our world.

 

Grant that we may highly resolve on this great day to dedicate ourselves anew to the task of ushering in an era when good will shall live in the hearts of a free people, justice shall be the light to guide their feet, and peace shall be the goal of humankind: to the glory of Thy holy name and the good of our Nation and of all mankind.

 

Amen.

 

—The Congressional Prayer by Chaplain, Reverend Edward G. Latch on Wednesday, July 3, 1974.

 

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalms 33:12 ESV),

 

Note ~ Reverend Latch (Methodist) was the Chaplain of the US House of Representatives (1967-1978) went home to meet his Savior in April 1993 at the age of 92.  

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers: booksrlr .com/connect - Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” booksrlr .com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com – An INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.

Facebook page: Robert Lloyd Russell

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Independence Day 2023

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~ God Governs ~

 

Introduction ~ Benjamin Franklin was not a Christian—he was a deist. He is nearly universally considered to have been a very smart man. Listen to what he said:

 

Quote ~ “I have lived… a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice[a], is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured… in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it’[b].”

 

Comment ~ It was Ben Franklin who suggested that the Constitutional Convention should seek God’s blessing in an opening prayer at every session!

 

Scripture ~ [a] Jesus said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).

 

[b] “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

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ell 

What A Story!

 

~ Do You Really Understand Independence Day? ~

 

Prayer ~ “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12a).

 

“Eternal God, stir Thou our minds and stimulate our hearts with a high sense of patriotism as we approach the Fourth of July.  May all that this day symbolizes renew our faith in freedom, our devotion to democracy, and redouble our efforts to keep a government of the people, by the people, and for the people truly alive in our world.

 

“Grant that we may highly resolve on this great day to dedicate ourselves anew to the task of ushering in an era when good will shall live in the hearts of a free people, justice shall be the light to guide their feet, and peace shall be the goal of humankind: to the glory of Thy holy name and the good of our Nation and of all mankind.

 

“Amen” (Congressional Prayer by Chaplain, Reverend Edward G. Latch on Wednesday, July 3, 1974). 

 

 

Comment 1 ~ If ever there was a time when our nation (United States) and the world needed prayer it is this year. 

 

Comment 2 ~ There is a secular movie (documentary) that I believe every American should watch.  It is available from many libraries and I’m sure many other places (as well as on Amazon for purchase).  “Monumental: In Search of America’s National Treasure” with Kirk Cameron (2012, PG, 1:24).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

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