Grandmother’s Prayer for July 4th

Father, the neighborhood is already starting the firecrackers, and it is only nine. My grandson will bring his children over for the cookout this afternoon. Before any of it, I am at this table with You. You said Your word is truth, and You prayed that Your own would be set apart by that truth. Set me apart today. The noise will try to define this day. The talk will run to politics and to who is angry at whom. Set me apart for something quieter than that. Set me apart with the truth that this loud day belongs to You. Set me apart so I can serve the table without joining the heat of every argument. Make me a quiet zone for the great-grandchildren who will be afraid of the loud bangs. Let me ask the right small questions of the cousins who only come to these gatherings. Let me say grace before the food without theater, just as if it were any other meal. Do the work of setting me apart by Your truth before the noise begins. Amen.