Churches across the U.S. are being asked to rededicate the nation to God during their Sunday services on July 3.

Pastor Steven Andrew, author of "Making a Strong Christian Nation," is inviting churches to participate in the national covenant prayer as an affirmation of God's sovereignty over the U.S. and a reminder of the Founding Fathers.

John Adams once said that the Fourth of July "ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty."

Andrew said, "As the USA draws near to God, God will draw near to the USA."

Free resources have been made available by USA Christian Ministries, including a handout and church bulletin insert to enable the congregation to say the prayer together.

Worshippers are being encouraged to take the covenant prayer away with them after the service and keep it on their desks or refrigerators at home.

Follow us

There is also a mini-poster emblazoned with the words "No King But King Jesus" – a motto of the American Revolution and a reminder of Psalm 47, which exhorts Christians to call on God as king of their nation.

"We are encouraging all churches to include the covenant insert in their bulletins on Sunday, July 3," said Andrew. "We also ask individuals and other patriotic groups like the Tea Party, homeschool groups and pro-life America to distribute the handout and to pray the covenant on July 4.

"Pastors know that a national covenant with God brings God's blessings, including God's presence, protection and economic prosperity."

The covenant prayer states:

Father,

As Your Christian nation, we affirm our covenant: You, the LORD, are the God of the USA and we are Your people. Jesus is our King. We obey what You say in the Holy Bible. We love You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We love one another as Jesus loved us. We ask You to forgive our sins by Jesus' sacrifice.

In Jesus' name. Amen. (Psalm 33:12, Mark 12:30, John 13:34, 2 Chronicles 15:12)