First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:1-3

How often do you pray for our country?

For our leaders?

The ones you like and don’t like?

You know we “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph 6:12)

God urges us to pray for our leaders whom He has placed in power over us.

He reminds us how to live a peaceful and dignified life.

Through praying for our leaders and country.

Today is our country’s birthday.

Sweet land of liberty.

She’s not perfect, but nothing is.

Our framework demands respect for the process of change.

Our history is full of God’s grace (Washington’s Valley Forge), His mercy (Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation), and His strength (WW2 landings).

Thousands of more examples.

And yes, there are examples of our stupidity.

Slavery, abortion, discrimination, government corruption.

History needs to remain as it is.

The good, bad, and the ugly.

Learning from our mistakes, remembering God’s grace, and honoring our fallen heroes remains our duty for future generations.

Keeping all of our history doesn’t mean you agree with every decision.

With every event.

With every leader.

Today, our country is 244 years old.

May we remember that all men are created equal.

That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights,

That among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by thy might, great God, our King.

And God, please continue to shed Your grace on Thee.

Photos by specphotops, May, Stephanie McCabe, Justin Casey, Kevin Morris, & Samuel Branch on Unsplash