5 Prayers to Thank God for True Freedom This Independence Day
Prayer
Audio By Carbonatix
By Vivian Bricker, Crosswalk.com
On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the freedom we have as Americans. On July 4, 1776, America broke away from Britain and forged its own path. America didn’t want to be held under the leadership of kings and queens and opted for independence. Throughout America’s history, we see how freedom took a long time to achieve; however, they continued to fight for what they believed in. It took eight years for America to finally gain independence, but they never gave up.
Their steadfastness was richly rewarded as America gained independence, and we are still reaping the benefits of those who came before us. While we do have freedom in America, we also have freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1). All people worldwide have freedom in Christ if they have faith in Him, regardless of their home country. Jesus gives true freedom, and this freedom will never be taken away.
As we reflect upon our freedom as a country, we need to thank God. Without freedom within our country, we wouldn’t have the right to practice our faith in the Lord. If we tried to share our faith, we would be persecuted. Moreover, our lives could be in danger if we simply attended a church service. We need to be thankful for the blessings God has bestowed upon us and give thanks to Him for true freedom this Independence Day.
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1. A Prayer to Thank God for His Gift of Salvation Through His Son
As mentioned, we have freedom in Christ because of the debt He paid for us. Jesus died on the cross for us to be saved. As the Apostle Peter says, “‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by his wounds you have been healed’” (1 Peter 2:24). By Jesus’ wounds we have been healed. True freedom is shown to us by Jesus dying for our sins and giving us freedom from death and sin.
While we will all still die and continue to sin, the Lord has given us lasting freedom. When we die, it is not the end, nor will we go to hell. Instead, we will be taken up to be with the Lord forever in Heaven (John 3:16-17). In the same way, we will all continue to sin, but Jesus has given us the strength to overcome sin. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18).
We have been given the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, and this is the greatest reason to give God thanks. This Independence Day, remember the freedom you have in Christ and how it is far-reaching. It is because of the Lord’s sacrifice that we are freed. The wonderful gift of salvation will endure forever, and it will never be taken away.
“Dear God, thank You for Your wonderful gift of salvation through Your Son. It is only because of Jesus that I have true freedom. Thank You for this freedom, and help me to reflect upon it this Independence Day. I praise You and I thank You, Amen.”
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2. A Prayer to Give Thanks to God for Living in a Country Without Physical Persecution
If you live in America, you have been given freedom under the Constitution’s First Amendment to have freedom of religion. This means anyone living in America can practice any religion they choose. As Christians, this means we can practice Christianity without fear of being physically persecuted. While people might make rude or hurtful comments to us, we don’t have to worry about being persecuted by the government for our faith.
We need to give thanks to God for this freedom because without it, many of us may never have come to know the Lord. America has many churches and many great outreach organizations, but we would have never been given these resources if we were not living in America. This is why we need to give thanks to God for living in a country without physical persecution and to also pray for those who do live in countries where their government dictates their religion.
“Dear God, I give You thanks for the blessing of living in a country without physical persecution. This is a gift from You, and I praise You that I can practice my belief in You without being targeted by the government. I also ask You to help those who are in closed countries and don’t have access to religious freedom. Help them to come to know You and place faith in You despite their difficult situation. Thank You, God. Amen.”
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3. A Prayer to Give Thanks to God for the Freedom to Share the Gospel
Within the true freedom we have been given, we are also given the freedom to share the gospel. The gospel is the ultimate expression of freedom as it tells of the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). With the freedom we have been given, as well as with the knowledge we have been given, we need to share the gospel with others. We don’t need to keep the gospel to ourselves, but rather, to share the gospel with the lost.
Maybe this could be sharing the gospel with friends at the Fourth of July cookout or meeting up with your parents, who don’t believe in Jesus. Take time from your day and share the message of the gospel with others. Just like you have been given freedom in Jesus, help others to know they can also have this same freedom. As the Apostle Paul says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).
“Dear God, thank You for giving me the freedom to share the gospel. You have been so good to me, and I praise You. Please help me to share the message of freedom with others. I don’t need to keep the Good News to myself, but instead, to share it with others. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.”
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4. A Prayer to Thank God for the Blessings We Have in Christ
The Apostle James tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). Because of Jesus, we have been given freedom, eternal life, forgiveness of sins, and redemption. All of this is only possible because of the love the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit have for us. Out of God’s love, He sent His Son into the world to die for us.
We never need to overlook this blessing because without it, we wouldn’t have the promises of eternity. Our freedom in Christ does not end when we die but continues for all eternity. When we pass away and go to be with the Lord, everything will be better. Our freedom in Christ right now can help us see a glimpse of Heaven and the Eternal Kingdom. We all need to lift up our voices in praise today as we thank God for the true freedom He has given us in Christ.
“Dear God, I praise You and thank You for the blessings I have in Christ. It is because of Your love that I have freedom today. You have been so good to me, and every good gift comes from You. I will continue to give You thanks for all my days and for all eternity. Thank You for everything, God, Amen.”
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5. A Prayer to Thank God for The True Freedom that Lasts
The freedom that God has given us will last forever. This means it will never change, nor will it be taken away. What God has given us is eternal. This means that the freedom we have in Christ will endure for all eternity and beyond. While we may not be able to fully understand this truth on this side of Heaven, what we do need to know is that we are free. We are free of eternal separation from God, eternal punishment, and eternal pain.
Throughout your Fourth of July celebrations, give thanks to God for these wonderful gifts. Our freedom is not limited to religious freedom by the government, but freedom from sin and death. God has blessed us immeasurably, and He will continue to surround us with His grace. As believers, we need to forever thank God for the freedom He has given us. We must use our freedom for good and be faithful servants of God.
“Dear God, I give You thanks for the true freedom that lasts. For all eternity, You have given me freedom to live, serve You, and follow You. Thank You for this freedom. I will remember this on Independence Day as well as on every other day of the year. Thank You God for everything. You are a blessing and a gift to my life. Amen.”
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