America, the Beautiful stirs my heart whenever I hear it sung. The fabric of our country has been woven through the centuries with the strength and faith of her people. The courage of early settlers, the ingenuity of inventors, and the sacrifices of heroes in battle all contribute to the tapestry.
Each verse encourages us to pray for America.
Katharine Lee Bates, the author of this patriotic hymn, wrote the text in 1893 while teaching in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. She felt deeply about its message:
“We must match the greatness of our country with the goodness of personal godly living. If only we could couple the daring of the Pilgrims with the moral teaching of Moses, we would have something in this country that no one could ever take from us.” (from Amazing Grace, 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories, Kenneth Osbeck.)
America the Beautiful
The blessing of personal freedom is a key component of life for us.
I’m thankful for the everyday freedoms to make decisions, worship, travel, and choose many personal preferences.
Freedom came through difficulty, problems, and controversy. Monuments and museums document the role of faith.
Faith in God is foundational to the freedom and founding of America.
Thomas Jefferson, third U.S. President and drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence said:
“God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever…”
—Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, p. 237.
When celebrating on July 4th, remember to reflect on the beginnings of our country.
In celebrating Independence Day, will you take a moment to pray for America?
There is a greater freedom comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
He gave his life to free us from the grip of sin and death.
Jesus fought the battle over sin and death securing our freedom for eternity.
Through the grace of God we are loved and accepted. By grace we receive forgiveness. The power of the Holy Spirit strengthens us for our daily struggles. In Christ, we can stand firm and live our faith in the daily Americans are blessed with a rich heritage of faith and freedom.
On this day of fireworks, will you also thank God for your freedom in Christ?
This prayer written by Billy Graham asks for us to walk humbly with God, showing His love to one another.
May it be.
Lord. . . remind us today that You have shown us what is good in what You require of us; to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.
We ask that as a people, we may humble ourselves before You and seek Your will for our lives and for this great nation.
Help us in our nation to work as never before to strengthen our families and to give our children hope and a moral foundation for the future.
So may our desire be to serve You, and in so doing, serve one another.
This we pray in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Blanche Manos
Thank you, Nancy.
Kathy
Great post! So true that great freedom comes from faith in Christ! Thank you!