A Prayer for Independence Day

[Guest guest]

A Prayer for Independence Day

By Helen Steiner Rice

God bless America and keep us safe and freeSafe from "all our enemies" wherever they may be,For enemies are forces that often dwell within,Things that seem so harmless become a major sin,

Little acts of selfishness grow into lust and greedand make the love of power our idol and our need....For all our wealth and progress are as worthless can beWithout the faith that makes us great and kept our nation free. And while it's hard to understand the complexities of warEach one of us must realize that we are fighting forThe principles of freedom and the decency of man,But all of this must be achieved according to God's Plan

So help us as Americans to search deep down insideAnd discover if the things we do are always justifiedAnd teach us to walk humble and close in Thy waysAnd give faith and courage and put purpose in our days And make each one of us aware that each must do his partFor in the individual is where peace must have a startFor a better world to live in where all are safe and freeMust start with faith and hope and love deep in the heartof "me"