Let’s take a few moments for silence and appreciation for all we have in our lives, because those who came before us fought hard that we may live in an independent country.

Here is a prayer to include on the 4th of July. Sitting for an outdoor meditation as I am in this photo would be perfect.

May the glory of Independence Day
Remain in mind in heart
May we cherish our hard-won freedom
That it never falls apart.

Because those who walked before us
Believed in freedom’s cause so much
We can carry forth a torch
Of honor and ‘In God We Trust’.

That first Independence Day
More than two centuries past
Must live forever in our thoughts
Never forgotten - never a lapse.

It is a precious land we hold
In safekeeping for our children
That they, as we, may enjoy
Lives bountiful, worth living.

May God’s blessings ever
Ring out
Over all our land
A toast of praise we raise today
Americans - join hand in hand!

For offline reading
Meditation Lessons for Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.

Prayer by Susan Helene Kramer; photo credit Stan Schaap, Meditation Mount, Ojai, California