Rest and Trust—Praying for Our Military

Editor’s note: Consider extending your July 4 celebration this week by praying for all who serve in our military, helping to keep us safe. This prayer has been adapted from one that first appeared in CTA’s devotion book for military personnel and loved ones back home, The Ultimate Shield. It is no longer available, but many [...]

In God We Trust–a free July 4 devotion for elementary school students

Who knows why 1776 is such an important year? (Let the children respond.) Yes, on July 4, 1776, the colonists living in our country declared their independence, their freedom from Great Britain. But just writing the Declaration of Independence and signing it was not enough. The colonists had to fight a long, bloody war so [...]

Safety and Peace—Praying for Our Military

Editor’s note: As citizens of the United States look forward to Independence Day (July 4) next week, you might consider praying for all who serve in our military, helping to keep us safe. This prayer has been adapted from one that first appeared in CTA’s devotion book for military personnel and loved ones back home, [...]

Celebrating Those in Faithful Service–a free devotion for July 4

Introduction As we gather today, we pause to thank all those who serve us through our government on every level—local, state, and national. Our thoughts turn to the first responders in our own community—our firefighters (name those present, if possible) and police officers (name them) our EMT’s (name them) and those in city government (name [...]

For God, Country, Community–Celebrating Patriotic Events This Summer

As I write this, a surge of renewed unity and patriotism is sweeping the nation. After ten years of meticulous detective work, Osama Bin Laden’s hideout has been found. After weeks of painstaking practice and a forty-minute raid on his compound, some 40 Navy SEALs have brought him to justice. Once more, flags have waved [...]

In God We Trust

O thus be it e’er when free men shall stand, Between their loved home and the war’s desolation; Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land, Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just; And this be our motto IN GOD [...]

George Washington

Born February 22, 1732, George Washington was unanimously chosen as the Army’s Commander-in-Chief, unanimously chosen as President of the Constitutional Convention, and unanimously chosen as the first President of the United States. Many of his public proclamations reflected his faith in God. After the Declaration of Independence was read to his troops, General Washington ordered [...]

Constitution Day

One June 21, 1788, the U.S. Constitution went into effect when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it. The 55 signers of the U.S. Constitution included: 26 Episcopalians; 11 Presbyterians; 7 Congregationalists; 2 Lutherans; 2 Dutch Reformed; 2 Methodists; 2 Roman Catholics; 2 Quakers; and 1 deist. The deist was Dr. Franklin, who [...]