Here is a prayer that the Russian priest-martyr, Father Alexander Men, wrote for his city. I've adapted it a bit and offer it on this Independence Day ~ A Prayer for Our Country. For spiritually minded persons, "independence" will signify inner realities: freedom from hatred and prejudice, freedom from addiction and life-denying anxieties, freedom from surfacey living: this-world living, freedom from greed, power-lust and violence. Freedom FOR service.
Lord Jesus Christ!
In this evening hour, in our country,
Where Your blessing rests,
amidst all sufferings, sins and troubles,
You, Who suffered
and assumed all the ills of humankind,
because You loved us,
You, Who have come here,
remain with us.
Lord, You bore the Cross,
Teach us to carry sufferings and burdens
for the sake of our loved ones.
Lord Jesus Christ,
You see our wounds and our weaknesses.
Pour strength into us, make us resilient and vigorous,
worthy witnesses of Your Divine Gospel.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Grant us in those days which You assign us,
to carry Your Cross as a banner.
Lord Jesus Christ, guide us.
Lord Jesus Christ, guide us.
We thank you for everything miraculous,
which You give us in nature, in the temple,
in the Sacrament, in Your Sacred Scripture,
in the writings of people inspired by You,
in our close ones, in our beloved ones,
in everything which occupies us,
concerns us, fascinates us.
For everything we thank You, Lord.
Grant us to be truthful bearers of Your Name.
Amen
