God,

This week, freedom will be celebrated;
With fireworks.
With parties.
With music and pledges.

Yet, for many, even in this "land of the free,"
There is still bondage.
There are national systems
That perpetuate hate,
Bigotry,
Racism.

For others,
It is the pain of feeling bound,
To abusive spouses,
To fundamentalist religion,
To emotional and mental trauma.

In these too-familiar instances of injury,
Would you bring pardon?
For pardon means more than to forgive,
But to be released--set free--
From the chains.

God,
As we contemplate the freedoms this holiday represents to many,
Keep us aware and open our eyes
To those who don't feel free,
That we might advocate and assist
In bringing pardon.

Jesus,
Find us where we ourselves still feel imprisoned.
Remind us that you opened the doors
And prepared a path for our freedom.

Spirit,
Guide us into relationship with
Those who are still enslaved to the systems,
Still Held hostage,
So we might fight for their equality.

Amen