That We Would Be - Poem by Raymond A. Foss

In the words we share
trying to be what we profess
wishing the nobler aspects
of our creed, our hope
would guide our steps
the actions of our leaders
our nation in the world

That we would be
“one nation under God”,
aware of our responsibilities
to those poorer, weaker,
under oppression and tyranny
that we would project love
more than power
that we would be that light
shining in the world

This love guiding our steps
These eyes watching what we do
acting as his children
serving our neighbor
sharing his grace in the world
walking humbly with our God
that we would cleave to him
worthy of his name

These words that we share
important, to us, to the nations
understanding that while we
are a secular country
we stand on the rock
the one God eternal
maker of heaven and earth

June 27, 2010
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH
July 4, 2010

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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
July 4, 2009

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.