Salmo questioning why God should bless America over other nations and whether the Bible supports favoring one nation, deserves a sharp, reasoned response. Let’s unpack it, starting with the framing of "God Bless America" as a prayer, and then build a broader case to counter his skepticism, grounding it in theology, history, and logic, while directly addressing his points.

First, Salmo’s right to question the phrase’s exclusivity, but he misses the mark by implying it’s a demand for divine favoritism. "God Bless America" isn’t a theological claim that America is uniquely entitled to God’s favor; it’s a humble petition, a prayer for divine guidance, protection, and prosperity for the nation, its people, and their neighbors. It’s no different from someone praying, “God bless my family” or “God bless this community.” It doesn’t negate blessings for others; it’s a focused plea for one’s own. The Bible supports such prayers: Psalm 122:6 urges, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” a specific call for one city’s blessing, not a denial of others. Similarly, Americans praying for their nation reflects care for their immediate sphere, not a zero-sum game where God’s favor is hoarded. God is infinite and his blessings can be infinite too.

Salmo’s second point, "does the Bible say God should favor one nation?" needs nuance. The Bible doesn’t mandate universal favoritism for any single modern nation, including America. However, it does show God engaging with specific nations for His purposes. In the Old Testament, Israel was chosen as a “light to the nations” (Isaiah 42:6), not because of inherent superiority, but to reveal God’s law and character (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). This wasn’t blind favoritism; it came with responsibility and judgment when Israel strayed (Amos 3:2). God also blessed other nations, like Egypt through Joseph’s stewardship (Genesis 41), or used them, like Babylon, to fulfill His plans (Jeremiah 25:9). The principle here is that God interacts with nations based on their role in His redemptive story, not arbitrary preference. Apply this to America. No, the Bible doesn’t name America explicitly, how could it, written millennia ago? But America’s historical role as a beacon of religious liberty, free speech, and opportunity aligns with biblical values of justice and freedom to worship (Galatians 5:1). The nation’s founding documents, like the Declaration of Independence, invoke “Nature’s God” and inalienable rights, echoing biblical principles of human dignity (Genesis 1:27). America’s global impact of spreading democracy, aiding nations through charity, or defending against tyranny, can be seen as fulfilling a God-given purpose, not unlike Israel’s call to be a light. When people say “God Bless America,” they’re often asking for strength to live up to that calling, not demanding a divine VIP pass.

Salmo’s framing also ignores context. “God Bless America” emerged in times of crisis, like Irving Berlin’s 1918 song during World War I, revised in 1938 as war loomed again. It’s a cry for unity and divine help, not a boast of superiority. Historically, Americans have paired this prayer with action think of the Marshall Plan rebuilding Europe or private citizens’ global philanthropy. The U.S. has given over $2 trillion in foreign aid since World War II, per USAID data, hardly the act of a nation hoarding blessings. Salmo’s cynicism dismisses this as if praying for America negates care for others, which is a false dichotomy. One can pray for their nation while supporting global welfare, just as one prays for their child without hating others’ kids.

Now, let’s flip Salmo’s logic. If God shouldn’t bless America any more than other places, why pray for anyone or anything specific? Why pray for peace in Ukraine, health for a friend, or justice in a city? Salmo’s argument risks flattening all prayer into a vague, borderless wish-wash, undermining the personal, relational nature of biblical prayer. God invites specific requests (Philippians 4:6), and nations, like individuals, can seek His guidance. America’s not perfect, its flaws, from past slavery to modern divisions, are clear, but praying for its blessing is about seeking redemption and purpose, not divine favoritism.

Finally, Salmo’s question dodges the Bible’s broader call: nations are judged by their righteousness (Proverbs 14:34). America’s prayer for blessing carries an implicit challenge to align with justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). If Salmo thinks America’s unworthy, that’s a critique of its actions, not the prayer itself. The response isn’t to scoff but to join the prayer, God bless America, to do better.

In short: “God Bless America” is a plea, not a demand; the Bible shows God engaging nations for His purposes, not arbitrary favor; and America’s history of liberty and aid suggests a role worth praying to fulfill. Salmo’s wrong to frame it as chauvinism, it’s a call to live up to a higher standard, for America and beyond. Plus "God Bless America" seems to piss off the America haters, so God Bless America indeed.