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Here is the Preamble to our Constitution–a well-crafted statement of purpose. “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” The founding fathers of our country wanted America to be a land of peace, prosperity, and justice.” That vision is not unlike one that an ancient pilgrim wrote in Psalm 122. First, he gave thanks to the LORD for the privilege of going to the house of God. He wrote, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” In his city, he found freedom to worship God as he chose. Secondly, he rejoiced that God had permitted them to build strong walls–walls to protect them from foreign invaders. He felt safe. Thirdly, he rejoiced that in his city, people could count on justice. He says, “Here stand the thrones where judgment [or justice] is given.” This pilgrim valued his freedom to worship and earn a living. He valued peace and justice for all. He invited his fellow pilgrims to pray that these values would never die in his land. We might well pray the same prayer for our country.
