Check out our curated collection of special liturgy prayers for corporate worship. Perfect for special occasions in the life of your church or faith community. Many of these prayers are written for specific holidays or events. July 4 celebrates the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, but the resources may be used for the Independence Day of any nation. Scripture Readings Deuteronomy 10:12 –13, 17–21 It would be appropriate on Independence Day, the Sunday nearest Independence Day—or for any service of worship taking place near a national holiday. Users may amend as they see fit. Officiant As we remember the birth of our nation, and the gifts of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, let us offer our thanks and prayers to God, the A Prayer for Independence Day Prayer taken from the Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, Revised Edition (Washington, DC: USCCB, 2007), 176. Copyright © 2007 Independence Day Litany, Prayers, & Reflection, Lisa Clark, Mt Carmel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Portland, OR. "Recognizing Secular Occasions and Holidays in the Liturgy," Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. A list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources. A Fourth of July Communion Meditation The Monroe Congregational Church, UCC Rev. Jennifer Gingras July 4, 2021 Acts 10:30-36 The fourth of July is more than a long weekend to grill hotdogs and watch fireworks (although, in full disclosure, I do love all of that!) It’s a time when it’s right and appropriate to look back at the ideals call us back to your truth. When we are tempted by the siren song of individual independence, remind us that we are but one part of your Body on earth. When we separate this earth from your Spirit, give us eyes to see and ears to hear your breath in every heartbeat, every gust of wind, every creaking joint, every neighbor’s laugh and enemy 5. A children's sermon for the day might include something about the freedoms we as Christians celebrate with our nation's Independence Day. 6. For a little more expanded rite, yet still remaining quite small, consider inserting the following after the Post Communion Prayer: Exhortation and Prayer on a National Holiday: P. Alternate Great Prayer of Thanksgiving for Independence Day L: May the God of freedom be with you. P: And also with you. Liturgy w/communion for July 6, 2025 Written by the Reverend Chris McArdle [Text in plain font is intended to be offered by One; Text in bold font is intended to be offered by Many.] When Jesus joined his friends in the upper room, he sought to give them something that would draw them closer together in community and love. That gift was a meal, a sacrament in bread and cup that became the foundation for so much of what was to Here are some of the things that take place in Christian worship in the USA on the Sunday closest to our July 4 Independence Day: American flags throughout the sanctuary and church building, inside and out on the communion table replacing altar paraments passed out to each worshiper with the bulletin The Mass for Independence Day is found on under the “Proper of Saints” p. 744 of the Roman Missal. Isaiah 32:15-18 – Justice will bring about peace. Psalm 85 – The Lord speaks of peace to his people. James 3:13-18 – The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. July 4: INDEPENDENCE DAY MASS PRAYERS AND READINGS (Optional memorial in the United States). This day is the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on Juy 4, 1776. The Church of the United States of America incorporates this observance into the liturgy with a special Mass asking for peace, justice, and truth. Prayer of Communion God of the fair winds and bounteous fields, Of the storms overhead and the seas below, With joy we celebrate the connection we have with all of creation “From sea to shining sea,” 1 From the beauteous mountain caps to the rivers winding across the land. We honor the connection we have with your beings- July 4 celebrates the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, but the resources may be used for the Independence Day of any nation. Scripture Readings. What does God require of a nation? Suggested Hymns and Prayers from UMH. Prayer. Almighty God, you rule all the peoples of the earth. in the nations of the world. L: Come, let us worship the Lord! Independence Day Prayer: Almighty God, bless our nation and make it true to the ideas of freedom and justice and brotherhood for all who make it great. Guard us from war, from fire and wind, from comprise, fear and confusion. Independence Day Prayer Litany liberty and the pursuit of happiness given by our God. It is appropriate, therefore, as we celebrate our nation’s birthday, that we give thanks to God for our liberties and pray for continued blessing u Next time we will be exploring the other parts of the Communion service. I will be out of town next week, so I will not be posting a blog on 7/11/2023, but will resume on 7/18/2023. I hope everyone has an opportunity to enjoy Independence Day! One way to incorporate Independence Day into worship is by the singing of patriotic hymns. The United Methodist Hymnal contains a number of well-known American songs commonly sung at patriotic events such as “America the Beautiful”, “America (My Country Tis of Thee)” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Independence Day: July 4: Deuteronomy 10:17-21; Hebrews 11:8-16; Matthew 5:43-48; The Collects, Psalms and Canticles are from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979.
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