A Prayer of Gratefulness for Our Nation’s Freedom
By Lynette Kittle
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” - Galatians 5:1
Even though some American citizens may not feel much gratitude for our nation in its present condition, we want to view it with thankful hearts, treasuring how God divinely established this nation in freedom. As 2 Cor. 3:17 explains, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Regardless of how some feel about our nation's present state, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 urges us to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Especially as Christians to recognize that God is the author of freedom. As John 8:36 explains, Jesus is the One that sets us free. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Cultivating Ongoing Gratefulness for Our Nation’s Freedom
Long-lasting freedom requires citizens to practice ongoing gratitude. Without continual appreciation and recognition of the efforts that fostered freedom, a nation starts to lose widespread support for it, leading to coming generations being uninformed and misconstruing events that led to the establishment of a free nation. Proverbs 11:14 explains, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
Silence Equals Consent: The Sin of Omission author William J. Federer writes how on March 30, 1961, America’s future 40th President, Ronald Reagan, spoke to the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce on the importance of passing on our gratitude for the history, lessons, and sacrifices of freedom to our future generations:
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it, and then hand it to them with the well-taught lessons of how they in their lifetime must do the same. And if you and I don't do this, then you and I may well spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it once was like in America when men were free."
For America’s freedom to endure, it’s vital for us to pass on genuine, heartfelt gratitude for it by first thanking God and, secondly, by recognizing what it takes to maintain it. As Proverbs 15:22 explains, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.”
Passing Gratefulness for Our Freedom On to the Next Generation
Proverbs 13:22 urges parents to leave an inheritance to their children. Teaching our children and their children to be thankful for America’s costly freedom is vital and a priceless gift. Taking the time to pass on gratitude for it to our families is well worth our time. A key to parents passing on gratitude for America to future generations is by example, expressing it ourselves, and researching, studying, and knowing its rich history.
Providence Forum Executive Director Dr. Jerry Newcombe encourages parents to “Learn the true history ourselves and teach it to our children. There are plenty of resources out there trying to get Americans to learn about what made our nation so special.” One such resource is the Providence Forum “Foundation of American Liberty” film series, written and produced by Newcombe. This series explores the foundation of American liberty, which is our Judeo-Christian heritage.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Father,
Thank You for the freedom You give to us through Jesus Christ, Your Son. Help us, as United States citizens, publicly and privately give thanks to You for the freedom we have as a nation. Lead Americans across our nation to be grateful for what You have given us and to recognize that true freedom is a gift from You. Let our hearts overflow with thankfulness to You for the freedom our nation offers us because its foundation is based on the freedom we receive from You. Lead us in teaching our children, and our children’s children, to have hearts full of gratitude to You for providing the way to freedom through Jesus. Inspire future generations to treasure freedom and to see that it comes from You and You alone.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/4maksym
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
Editor's Note: We're proud to announce we've just launched a new nighttime companion to Your Daily Prayer: the Your Nightly Prayer devotional. You'll soon be able to subscribe to receive Your Nightly Prayer via email, or as a podcast, but for now you can find it on the website at crosswalk.com/devotionals/your-nightly-prayer. We hope it's a relaxing and soothing way to wind down your day with rich meditations on who God is.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington. Andrea Bocelli. Reba McEntire. Mark Wahlberg. Tony Dungy. Matthew McConaughey, What do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their story of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below!
