May our nation be blessed this July 4th

Bless our beautiful land, O Lord,

with its wonderful variety

of people, of races,

cultures and languages.

May we be a nation

of laughter and joy,

of justice and reconciliation,

of peace and unity,

of compassion, caring and sharing.

We pray this prayer for a true patriotism,

in the powerful name

of Jesus our Lord. 

Amen.

- Bishop Desmond Tutu