These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. —Thomas Paine, American author and patriot, 1776

PRAYER: The Prayer of George Washington.

Almighty God,

We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep these United States in Thy Holy protection; and Thou wilt incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow Citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field.

And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the Characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation.

Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SCRIPTURE: 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV).

If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

PRAYER FOCUS: Freedom from Tyranny

As we celebrate the freedoms that are our legacy from our forefathers, let us remember the service and sacrifice of those who fought to win the blessings of Liberty. For history teaches us that oppression, and not freedom, is the natural state of man–and of the governments of man. As Thomas Paine declared, “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered.” There is no freedom in the human experience that has not been bought with blood.

Today, let us thank God for those victorious warriors who have stood, and who still stand ready, between us and tyranny. May we gratefully live our lives as people worthy of such a rare and noble gift.

Happy Independence Day to you all, from The Monday Prayer.