Adapted for Nathanial’s Bar Mitzvah and inspired by Jewish tradition and American constitutional principles
God of freedom and responsibility,
we give thanks for our country
and for the principles that sustain it:
justice under law,
liberty joined with duty,
and dignity for every person.
Grant wisdom and steadiness to those entrusted with leadership,
that power be exercised with humility and restraint,
guided by enduring principles
that protect the rights of all.
Strengthen all who serve the public good,
in public and in private roles,
and make us faithful stewards of this nation:
its people and institutions,
its communities and lands.
Help our nation choose the harder right
instead of the easier wrong.
Endow us with courage born of loyalty
to all that is just, lawful, and true;
courage that stands firm
when the rule of law and fundamental rights are in jeopardy.
On this day, as Nathanial is counted as a man,
may he, and all who call our country home,
accept responsibility for the freedoms we claim:
to pursue life and liberty
without denying others the same;
to stand with courage and strength for what is right;
and to be guided always
by the enduring principles of our Constitution.
May we be worthy of the freedoms entrusted to us.
Amen.
