Casandra Martin

Today is the Fourth of July. Celebrating independence, Americans across the country will relax in back yards, fire up the grills, spend time with family and friends, ooh and aah over fireworks, and fly the flag that carries our nation’s colors and proclaims its ideals.

As you move through your neighborhood today, let the red, white, and blue remind you to pray for our country. Let each color of the flag trigger a cascade of praise, intercession, and thanksgiving for the blessings we enjoy as Americans.

Red – Every time you see the red stripes on the flag today, remember the blood that was shed for freedom. Pray for our soldiers who endure hardship, stand with courage, and serve with commitment. Pray for their families – spouses, children, parents, and friends who sacrifice, support, and strengthen those on the front lines. Pray for our leaders. Pray for peace.

White – Let the white stars and stripes on the flag today prompt you to pray for the soul of our nation. Pray for innocence and integrity to define who we are as a people. Plead for truth to be our banner. Holiness and righteousness have the power to be our greatest resource and deepest strength if we will prayerfully embed it into our national consciousness.

Blue – Allow the blue in our flag to remind you of the blessings and beauty of this land that stretches from “sea to shining sea.” Be thankful for the freedom, privileges, and responsibilities that flow from your citizenship. Take time to trace God’s fingerprints on our history. Notice the power of His presence in this moment. Pray for His grace to flood this land, His Word to echo in our ears, and His will to be our greatest desire.

My Jesus Resolution today is to pray for my country. Every time I see a flag today, I am going to let it lead my heart to intercede for the land that I love. “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14