Fireworks. Cookouts. The Star-Spangled Banner blasting from parade floats across the nation. This could only mean one thing.

It’s the Fourth of July!

Each year, Americans celebrate the Fourth of July because it was on this day in 1776 that the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to our new nation—the United States of America.

Inspired by the wisdom of the Bible, our founding fathers sought to form a republic that was completely independent from Great Britian and totally dependent on God. The new society would be built on biblical values such as liberty, justice, faith, unity, hope, and love.

Today, we believe the Bible is just as important and relevant as it was at our nation’s founding. The Bible contains the words of eternal life and is the only sure foundation for a free, moral, and just society. And we believe that it still has the power to transform lives, communities, and our entire nation.

Join us as we thank God for our nation’s freedom and pray that America will be transformed by the power of the Bible. This Independence Day, pray these seven prayers written by leaders across our nation.

1. Lord, transform families in America through your Word.

Lord, we ask you to bless families in America—families of all shapes and sizes. Bless our homes to be instruments of love, laughter, learning, and growth. We pray that our homes will be places where our children are taught discipline, sacrificial love, and selfless service. We pray that we will teach our children to rightly discern between right and wrong that leads them away from you. Bless families to embody the truths of your Word. We pray for the emotional, physical, and spiritual health of families. Mend broken or strained bonds between spouses, siblings, and other relatives. We long to see your peaceful rule in homes across our country, and we know this begins with personal relationship with the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. We speak a blessing over every family in our nation. In Jesus’s name. Amen. – Laura Gish, Director of Prayer Mobilization, American Bible Society

2. Lord, transform churches in America through your Word.

Jesus, we are humbled that you chose us, the church, to continue your mission here on earth. Thank you for going with us and not sending us alone. Come, Holy Spirit. We ask for the gift of faith as we go out and share your Good News. Fill us with love for those who do not yet know you. Open the eyes of their hearts so that they may receive the love of Jesus. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen. – Angela Chadwick, Global Director of Prayer, Alpha International

3. Lord, transform governmental leaders in America through your Word.

Our Father and our God, we praise you for your goodness to our nation, giving us blessings far beyond what we deserve. Yet we know all is not right with America. We deeply need a moral and spiritual renewal to help us meet the many problems we face. Convict us of sin. Help us to turn to you in repentance and faith. Set our feet on the path of your righteousness and peace. We pray today for our nation’s leaders. Give them the wisdom to know what is right, and the courage to do it. You have said, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” May this be a new era for America, as we humble ourselves and acknowledge you alone as our Savior and Lord. This we pray in your holy name. Amen. – Billy Graham, National Day of Prayer, 2001

4. Lord, transform military communities in America through your Word.

Lord, we bring our military community before you for healing, direction, and blessing. The stresses on both active military and veterans and their families are huge and we come to you as the ultimate caregiver. We pray for healthy, godly relationships among members of the military and their families that will provide them the framework of strength they need to deal with the many pressures of their service. Help this important community to build their lives on the truth of your Word that they may find the stability they need in this unstable world. May your Word come alive in their lives as they serve you and our nation. In Jesus’s name. Amen. – Dave Butts, Chairman, America’s National Prayer Committee

5. Lord, transform businesses in America through your Word.

Almighty God, we pray for ALL who are engaged in the marketplace and ask for your divine guidance for the entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators, and all those who work daily to advance free enterprise. May we honor you by working with humility and integrity and may the fruits of our labor produce jobs for many, strength for our communities, and increased charity for all. We pray that business leaders will comprehend their great opportunity to create powerful, effective, and productive teams and businesses that bless local communities. Grant them wisdom to lead. And we pray that they will live by the words in Proverbs 16:3: “Ask the LORD to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.” In Jesus’s name. Amen. – Rob Wonderling, Executive Director, Faith and Liberty Discovery Center

6. Lord, transform education in America through your Word.

Lord Jesus, we exalt you, our Creator, Teacher, and Lord. You created us with minds to learn and call us to increase in wisdom, knowledge and understanding. We pray for education, at every grade-level, and every day of our lives; that we would be life-long learners, discipled by you continually. Your Word says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10), and we pray that we will walk out wisdom in ever-increasing measure as we walk in you and with you throughout life. May every student be educated and equipped to fulfill their God-designed destiny for your glory. In the beautiful and powerful name of Jesus we pray. Amen! ­– Kathy Branzell, President, National Day of Prayer Task Force

7. Lord, transform media, arts, and entertainment in America through your Word.

Lord, we pray for three groups of people involved in the global arts, media, and entertainment industry. First, we pray for Christian entertainment professionals to grow in their faith and connection to a loving Christian community in their industry. Empower them to share their faith with the pre-Christians they work alongside. Second, we pray for Christians around the world who are consuming films, music, television, video games, and internet content. Stir their prayers for the Lord’s miraculous work among the people, projects, and issues coming from Hollywood—perhaps the world’s most influential mission field. Lastly, we ask for pre-Christian professionals in this industry to seek and find Jesus. May the Holy Spirit move in their hearts to inspire God’s unconditional love, joy, creativity, and hope that will not disappoint. We bless these decisionmakers and cultural influencers to turn to God and create works that please Jesus and uplift our culture. – Karen Covell, Hollywood Prayer Network, Founding Director

For more on how to pray for America, download our “7 Ways to Pray for America” guide which is filled with reflections, Scriptures, prayers, and prayer points.