Readings

Independence Day

The Collect of the Day

Independence Day

July 4

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.

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Psalm

145

Exaltabo te, DeusBCP p. 801

1I will exalt you, O God my King, *and bless your Name for ever and ever.

2Every day will I bless you *and praise your Name for ever and ever.

3Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *there is no end to his greatness.

4One generation shall praise your works to another *and shall declare your power.

5I will ponder the glorious splendor of your majesty *and all your marvelous works.

6They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts, *and I will tell of your greatness.

7They shall publish the remembrance of your great goodness; *they shall sing of your righteous deeds.

8The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, *slow to anger and of great kindness.

9The Lord is loving to everyone *and his compassion is over all his works.

10All your works praise you, O Lord, *and your faithful servants bless you.

11They make known the glory of your kingdom *and speak of your power;

12That the peoples may know of your power *and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; *your dominion endures throughout all ages.

14The Lord is faithful in all his words *and merciful in all his deeds.

15The Lord upholds all those who fall; *he lifts up those who are bowed down.

16The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, *and you give them their food in due season.

17You open wide your hand *and satisfy the needs of every living creature.

18The Lord is righteous in all his ways *and loving in all his works.

19The Lord is near to those who call upon him, *to all who call upon him faithfully.

20He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; *he hears their cry and helps them.

21The Lord preserves all those who love him, *but he destroys all the wicked.

22My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; *let all flesh bless his holy Name for ever and ever.

Psalm

145

Exaltabo te, DeusBCP p. 801

1I will exalt you, O God my King, *and bless your Name for ever and ever.

2Every day will I bless you *and praise your Name for ever and ever.

3Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *there is no end to his greatness.

4One generation shall praise your works to another *and shall declare your power.

5I will ponder the glorious splendor of your majesty *and all your marvelous works.

6They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts, *and I will tell of your greatness.

7They shall publish the remembrance of your great goodness; *they shall sing of your righteous deeds.

8The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, *slow to anger and of great kindness.

9The Lord is loving to everyone *and his compassion is over all his works.

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Hebrews 11:8-16

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” 13 All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14 for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

Deuteronomy 10:17-21

17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, 18 who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. 19 You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. 20 You shall fear the Lord your God; him alone you shall worship; to him you shall hold fast, and by his name you shall swear. 21 He is your praise; he is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things that your own eyes have seen.

Matthew 5:43-48

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.