Sunday morning (July 6) I was asked to serve as “liturgist” (worship assistant) at the Wake Forest Presbyterian Church 11:15 worship service. The job involves leading the call to worship, the confession, and the passing of the peace; as well as both the offertory prayer and the opening prayer of praise and adoration.

Because I’m a writer, I tend to over-think everything. Consequently, when I sat down to prepare my prayers I couldn’t get the Fourth of July out of my head. We can love our country, and we should certainly be grateful for our freedoms; but church is not the appropriate place to hold a patriotic rally.

On the one hand, we’re mostly all Americans; we’re all grateful for the freedoms we enjoy, and we all see a clear relationship between the teachings of Jesus and the blessings of a free society. But on the other we’re properly cautious that we not take a misstep into religious nationalism, where God is wrapped in the national flag, and the focus of our worship becomes unclear.

STATE RELIGION: On a larger scale, sometimes I suspect that much of what passes for Christianity in North America is less about following Jesus and more about making a religion out of “The Good Life” – cultural ideals such as prosperity, self-determination, nostalgia, “American exceptionalism” (the belief – or theory – that the United States is qualitatively different/better), Christmas, Thanksgiving, life in the suburbs, family, and “The American Dream”.

So when I was writing, all this (and more) was coursing through my brain! When I did pray, a number of people were moved, and asked for a copy. I hope – and pray – that the prayer achieved what I had in mind. Sometimes the Spirit prays for us, because we simply cannot articulate; and then sometimes, I believe, the Spirit works through our preparation and our writing.

PRAYER OF ADORATION: Gracious and Generous God, we stand in your presence this morning as a redeemed people; loved, forgiven, and free. We celebrate the spectacular beauty of liberty, the clear ring of freedom, and the ongoing promise of a glad future that still shines as brightly as our imaginations.

Because of your great love, wonderful Lord, all people have access to this magnificent promise; this glorious invitation to live like we really mean it. And so we worship you this morning with joy, and with a liberty of spirit that only you can bestow.

“It is for freedom Christ has set us free,” the Apostle wrote. “Stand firm, therefore; and never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.”

In response, faithful Redeemer, this congregation stands here before you, in grateful witnesses to the light. Amen.

Then, in thanking God for the offering, the following prayer works well to launch us into this new week.

God we are so grateful for all these gifts: for life; family; church; freedom; liberty; resources; love – blessings too numerous to mention. May we all be faithful stewards, great God, and continue to grow in generosity and joy. In the good name of Jesus, Amen.

– DEREK