Reflection

“…that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
~ Abraham Lincoln

Prayer

Lord of liberty, on this day in 1863, Abraham Lincoln promised that our nation would experience a new birth of freedom. We are still committed to making real the promise Lincoln articulated that day. Inspire us through the presence of your Holy Spirit to rededicate ourselves to the work still before us, to create a nation of compassion and justice, of goodness and liberty. May Lincoln’s inspiring words instill within us the desire to contribute our own effort to the cause for which so many have given their lives. Amen.

Call to Action

What is one commitment I can make to help my community and nation experience Lincoln’s new birth of freedom?