To me, the lyrics of the U.S. National Anthem bring to mind ideas of freedom under assault, and the triumph of the American Constitutional idea. The question that occurs to me in 2014 is: Does the flag of freedom still wave in America? The answer is: I don't know--it's not clear to me that this is a country that lives up to its values.
I thought I would take a stab at writing a poem that mirrors Key's poem, but from today's perspective. I do not have the creativity to do that, but at church a few months ago, we prayed a prayer for religous freedom that was a pretty good summation of what I am thinking: How is it even necessary that in 2014 Christians in America feel the need to pray this prayer?
Prayer for the Protection of Religious Liberty
O God our Creator, from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ.Through the power and the working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society. We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our feedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith. Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome--for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us--this great land will always be "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." We ask this through Christ our Lord.
