One Flag, One God

So often, in this world, cluttered, confused
allegiance to consumption, to things;
as if they are worthy.

Idols only, evil, keeping us from God;
but these words, “one nation under God”
different than the others, set apart
a calling deep within our spirits
of the relationship with God
as a people, a prayer for our nation

Not that we are special,
not that God carries our battles;
but that we, as a people,
would live by His commands

That our nation would live under His reign
that our dreams, our aspirations, our policies,
that our laws, our daily lives
would be pleasing to God

This is our prayer, this is our hope
especially on this day
remembering the words on the Declaration
and the prayer within them
for this nation, one nation under God


June 30, 2009
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH