The inclusion of Independence
Day in the Liturgical Calendar was initially controversial, because many of the
clergy had been loyal to the British monarchy. Printed separately, not in the
Prayer Book, the July 4th prayers and readings were first included in the 1928
Prayer Book. In the current (1979) edition it is listed for the first time as a
Major Feast, along with Thanksgiving Day (see pages 17 and 33). These are the
only two national days provided with a collect and designated readings.
How do we know what prayers,
psalms, and Bible readings (called “propers”) to use for the day?
Please read the Collect for Independence Day on pages 190 (traditional) and 242
(contemporary), as well as their alternatives on pages 207 (traditional) and
258 (contemporary). Note the prescribed psalms and readings on page 923 (for
the Eucharist) and 998 (for Morning and Evening Prayer).