A Prayer of Gratefulness for Our Nation’s Freedom

　　By Lynette Kittle

　　“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” - Galatians 5:1

　　Even though some American citizens may not feel much gratitude for our nation in its present condition, we want to view it with thankful hearts, treasuring how God divinely established this nation in freedom. As 2 Cor. 3:17 explains, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

　　Regardless of how some feel about our nation's present state, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 urges us to “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Especially as Christians to recognize that God is the author of freedom. As John 8:36 explains, Jesus is the One that sets us free.“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

　　Cultivating Ongoing Gratefulness for Our Nation’s Freedom

　　Long-lasting freedom requires citizens to practice ongoing gratitude. Without continual appreciation and recognition of the efforts that fostered freedom, a nation starts to lose widespread support for it, leading to coming generations being uninformed and misconstruing events that led to the establishment of a free nation. Proverbs 11:14 explains, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”

　　Silence Equals Consent: The Sin of Omission author William J. Federerwrites how on March 30, 1961, America’s future 40th President, Ronald Reagan, spoke to the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce on the importance of passing on our gratitude for the history, lessons, and sacrifices of freedom to our future generations:

　　"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it, and then hand it to them with the well-taught lessons of how they in their lifetime must do the same. And if you and I don't do this, then you and I may well spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it once was like in America when men were free."

　　For America’s freedom to endure, it’s vital for us to pass on genuine, heartfelt gratitude for it by first thanking God and, secondly, by recognizing what it takes to maintain it. As Proverbs 15:22 explains, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.”

　　Passing Gratefulness for Our Freedom On to the Next Generation

　　Proverbs 13:22 urges parents to leave an inheritance to their children. Teaching our children and their children to be thankful for America’s costly freedom is vital and a priceless gift. Taking the time to pass on gratitude for it to our families is well worth our time. A key to parents passing on gratitude for America to future generations is by example, expressing it ourselves, and researching, studying, and knowing its rich history.

　　Providence Forum Executive Director Dr. Jerry Newcombeencourages parents to “Learn the true history ourselves and teach it to our children. There are plenty of resources out there trying to get Americans to learn about what made our nation so special.” One such resource is the Providence Forum “Foundation of American Liberty” film series, written and produced by Newcombe. This series explores the foundation of American liberty, which is our Judeo-Christian heritage.

　　Let’s Pray:

　　Dear Father,

　　Thank You for the freedom You give to us through Jesus Christ, Your Son. Help us, as United States citizens, publicly and privately give thanks to You for the freedom we have as a nation. Lead Americans across our nation to be grateful for what You have given us and to recognize that true freedom is a gift from You. Let our hearts overflow with thankfulness to You for the freedom our nation offers us because its foundation is based on the freedom we receive from You. Lead us in teaching our children, and our children’s children, to have hearts full of gratitude to You for providing the way to freedom through Jesus. Inspire future generations to treasure freedom and to see that it comes from You and You alone.

　　In Jesus’ name, amen.