Independence Day 2024
Today’s Bible Verse:
2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
The freedom that Saint Paul writes about in his second letter to the Corinthians is not the freedom we celebrate today throughout the United States. It is the freedom from the penalty of our sin. Through faith alone in Jesus Christ, we have freedom from eternal damnation in hell. Only by faith in Jesus can we say we are free. On this day of Independence, let us thank our Lord for our independence given to us by the gift of Jesus Christ.
One More Thing
The growth of artificial intelligence got huge boost this spring when Apple introduced their version of AI into all of their iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Until the fall when software updates will bring these to the millions of these devices, Google has its own version of AI called Gemini. Yesterday, I went onto their website and asked the AI thingee to “write a Lutheran prayer for Independence Day.” Here is what Gemini wrote:
Gracious God, on this Independence Day, we pause to give thanks for the blessings of liberty and the founding of this nation.
We thank You for the visionaries and leaders who sought freedom and established a government built upon justice and equality. We are grateful for the sacrifices made by those who fought to preserve and defend these ideals throughout our history.
Lord, we recognize that freedom is a precious gift, not to be taken for granted. Guide us to use our freedoms responsibly, to respect the diversity of opinions and beliefs that enrich our society, and to work together for the common good.
May our nation always be a beacon of hope and opportunity for all who seek a better life. Help us to be good stewards of the land You have given us, to protect the environment, and to ensure a future where all can thrive.
On this day of celebration, we pray for our leaders, that they may govern with wisdom, integrity, and compassion. We pray for our military, that they may be strong and courageous in their service. We pray for all who are struggling, that they may find hope and support.
May we always cherish the freedoms we enjoy and strive to be a nation that reflects Your love and justice. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
PRAYERS
Keep in Your Prayers:
Those struggling to make ends meet.
All people dealing with cancer
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Today:
Make this day for our nation one of joy and hope as we celebrate the 248th birthday of this nation founded on religious freedom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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