On Independence Day, Dependence on God

This was my invocation today at the 107th reading of the Declaration of Independence from the steps of Van Wyck Hall in Fishkill, New York:

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, on this day when we celebrate our independence from an oppressive king, we acknowledge our complete dependence on You, without whom we would have neither daytime or night, neither sunshine nor rain, neither seedtime nor harvest, nor our very lives. Inspire us to seek Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Bless our leaders with wisdom and insight, that they may govern us in accordance with Your will. Move us to genuine thankfulness for all Your provision in our lives, and lead us to truly help those who are in need. Turn our eyes also heavenward, where true treasures are to be found. Help us this day and always to use our freedom, not as license for lawlessness, but as an opportunity to walk willingly in Your ways. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.