ECCT offers the following frameworks and resources in the hopes that they are conversation partners with you as you finalize if/how your Parish or Worshipping Community engages with the observation of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of the Independence. There is no singular approach to this observation.
A Litany for Independence Day Weekend by the Rev. Thomas Blake
A Collect for The Nation (BPC pg. 258)
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Better Way Prayer for Unity from Washington National Cathedral
Almighty and eternal God, source of all wisdom and understanding, bless this nation and all who dwell within it. In a time when so many feel alienated, fearful, and angry, grant us courage and compassion to respect neighbors whose views differ from our own.
Enable us to see one another not as enemies, but, in all our diversity, as beloved children created in your image. Remove any hatred and malice from our hearts and sow love and goodwill in their place. Guide us to heal our fractured and divided nation, that we may find reconciliation rather than recrimination.
In the midst of our struggle for justice and truth, help us uphold our devotion to democracy and the rule of law. Let us never take for granted the freedoms won in generations past, and may your wisdom lead us to better ways to live together with humility, civility and generosity of spirit. We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Collect for Independence Day (BCP pg. 242)
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayers for Labor Day
A Collect for Labor Day (BCP pg. 261)
Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Collect for Commerce & Industry (BCP pg. 259)
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ in his earthly life shared our toil and hallowed our labor: Be present with your people where they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give to us all a pride in what we do, and a just return for our labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For Vocation in Daily Work (BCP pg. 261)
Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for the Unemployed (BCP pg. 824)
Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find
suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.