George Washington Remembered

We have all probably seen the image of General George Washington at Valley Forge, alone, kneeling in the snow in fervent prayer to his God. However, few of us are aware of the prayer he sent to the governors of the the states of the new nation he helped found. He wrote it 1783 while Commander and Chief of the Continental Army at his headquarters in Newburgh, New York. He sent it as a circular to the governors of the states of the new nation.

Today, as we remember George Washington on the anniversary of his birthday, it is fitting that we join in the words of his prayer. I have replaced words referring to the states with the words "The United States." Otherwise, the words and spellings are those of General George Washington of the Continental Army.

Shall we join him in prayer for the people of this nation?

"I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be please to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Devine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these thing, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.

Amen."

Well said, General.

Happy Presidents' Day!