For most of us, the 4th of July will be a day of food, fireworks and maybe a parade or concert. But it can also include prayer. But, I suggest, not just any prayer. Try praying this way on Independence Day:
1. Give thanks for your freedom and favor.
What a blessing it is to enjoy the freedoms we too often take for granted and the blessings that attend us in this country.
2. Pray for those who protect our freedom.
Remember those who fought and died for our freedom in the past and those soldiers, sailors, police and others whose service protects us today.
3. Pray for our nation’s leaders.
Paul, the early church leader, wrote, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:1-3, niv). If he were writing today, Paul would probably include not only the president and other national officials but also members of Congress, governors, judges and others in positions of authority.
1. July 4th Isn't Independence Day
While we all recognize July 4th, 1776, as the day America's first Continental Congress declared independence from the British monarchy, the official vote on the matter actually happened two days earlier. The Declaration was published in the papers on July 4th, which may be why we settled on that date for the holiday.
2. The Declaration Was Written on a Laptop
No, our founding fathers didn't have WiFi back in the day, but Thomas Jefferson did draft one of the most important documents in history on a laptop. Of course, in those times, a laptop was a small writing desk you could fit on your lap, not a Mac.
3. The Declaration Signing Took Over a Month
Just as many believe July 4th was the actual day our founding fathers voted on independence, it's widely thought that all 56 delegates of the first Continental Congress signed the Declaration together. In reality, it took over a month after the inital vote to collect each man's signature and yes, John Hancock was the first to make his mark.
4. The Liberty Bell Tale
Legend goes that when independence was voted on, the Liberty Bell was rung and it could be heard across the land. Because there was no immediate announcement made, however, that probably isn't the case. The Bell acquired its trademark crack in the 19th century and now, every July 4th, it's tapped 13 times to signal for bells across the country to start ringing.
5. Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of ...
One of the most recognizable phrases in the Declaration crafted by Thomas Jefferson could've sounded markedly different. The initial wording was "life, liberty and the pursuit of property" until Jefferson thought better of it and changed it to "pursuit of happiness."
6. The Symbolic Bald Turkey?
The Bald Eagle is a symbol of American indepence and freedom, but if Benjamin Franklin had his way, we'd have a different bird as our nation's mascot. In a letter to his daughter Sarah Bache in 1784, Franklin wrote that he was displeased that the bald eagle had been chosen as the symbol for the nation:
"He is a Bird of bad moral character. He does not get his Living honestly," he wrote. "You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk."
Franklin thought the turkey a more respectable bird, one who was native to America and possessed courage.
7. An Extraordinary Coincidence
July 4th doesn't just signify the date our country declared it's independence, it also marks an extraordinary coincidence. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams -- two men responsible for building our great nation -- both died on the same day, July 4, 1826, 50 years after they signed the Declaration of Independence. While Jefferson and Adams began their political careers as rivals, they later became friends and it's even believed that Adams' last words were about this fellow founder.
4. Pray for the safety of those who gather to celebrate the holiday.
In this day and age, any large gathering presents security challenges large and small. Ask God to grant wisdom and watchfulness to planners and hosts of events—as well as the usual need for caution in handling fireworks and other seasonal hazards.
5. Remember those in oppressive or disadvantaged circumstances.
As we express gratitude for our freedoms, we should also remember those who live in different circumstances where war, oppression, discrimination and injustice divide and dominate. Even as you rejoice in your blessings, cry out to God for those who suffer.
6. Find new freedom in forgiveness.
There is no bad time to forgive someone but there are few better times than on a day when we celebrate freedom. Take a moment to consider whether there is someone you can forgive or something in your life that you can let go. Why not include in this year’s celebration a new level of freedom by shaking off the shackles of unforgiveness or regret—perhaps even seeking God’s forgiveness or forgiving yourself, and experiencing the truth of Romans 8:1-2: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2, niv).
