Meriful God on this day of national celebration, as we recall the lives and hopes of our country's founders. we pray that their vision may inspire us anew to protect the weak, to comfort the fearful, to defend the mistreated, to welcome the stranger, to provide for the needy, to challenge the greedy and hate-filled, to relieve the exploited, to respect the rights and beliefs of others, and to hold our nation to its pledge of liberty and justice for all. For this task we ask your blessing and strength now and forever. Amen