Cathedral Releases Prayer for Unity Ahead of July 4th Holiday
WASHINGTON, D.C.— As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, Washington National Cathedral issued a special prayer for national unity during a contentious election year. The Cathedral offers this prayer within the context of its own Christian tradition and invites others to adapt it, as appropriate, to their own faith.
The prayer, which is part of the Cathedral’s “A Better Way” campaign, calls on Americans to embrace their differences and strive for mutual understanding and respect. It reads:
“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.”
This prayer calls individuals to action, urging them to nurture love, goodwill and unity within their communities.
The Cathedral’s “A Better Way” initiative aims to help Americans see each other as beloved children of God, regardless of party affiliation or who they vote for. We may not always agree, but “A Better Way” is designed to help people listen to each other, learn from each other and find a way forward as a nation. Recent programming in the “A Better Way” series included former Rep. Liz Cheney, Canon Historian Jon Meacham, Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah and Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland. The Cathedral is planning additional programming as the nation moves closer to the November elections and beyond.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Christine Lamitina, West End Strategy Team
414-514-8009, [email protected]
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About Washington National Cathedral
Grounded in the reconciling love of Jesus Christ, Washington National Cathedral is a house of prayer for all people, conceived by our founders to serve as a great church for national purposes.