Good morning,
This week is July 4th—our independence day. Over the next few days I’ll offer up some thoughts on patriotism and American values.
The other day, I was in Temple celebrating Shabbat services. When it came time for the Prayer for Our Country, I listened and read intently. This is a version written by Rabbi Josh Knobel, whose many laudable attributes including serving in our country’s armed forces. A couple of years ago, I shared an earlier version of Josh’s words. This year, his new version hits the right tone for these fraught times of ours.
A Prayer for the United States of America
by Rabbi Josh Knobel
God and God of our ancestors, we ask You to bless this nation and its peoples.
Open our arms and our hearts and our minds to one another.
Let us never withhold Your gift of dignity from our fellow human being.
Grant us the determination to preserve the wonders of creation and the steadfastness to safeguard all created in Your image.
Teach us to honor the guardians of life and liberty, whether they proudly wear the uniform of our nation or defiantly wield signs of peaceful protest.
Rouse us in support of those who struggle against the shackles of bondage everywhere – from our own country, to Ukraine, Iran, and beyond.
Grant us the resolve to spurn the enemies of freedom and justice, whether they brandish the weapons of fear, or greed, or hatred.
May we remember that we can only reap the fruits of virtue, of peace, and of love by sowing the seeds of virtue, of peace, and of love.
Then, shall justice roll down like water, righteousness like a mighty stream.
Amen.
Happy Independence Day,
Glenn
If only this could reach the people who most need it--the self-professed pious
I think Israel needs this prayer too ...