This President’s Day, we would like to share a lesser-known prayer of the great leader, President George Washington. Nations around the world are desperate to solve pressing issues. Yet, many have neglected to seek the wisdom of God. There are no social, moral, economic, or political solutions to a spiritual problem. The hope of a nation is in what God can do, and the need of a country is for people who know how to pray. Allow this prayer to stir you.
O eternal and everlasting God, I presume to present myself this morning before thy Divine majesty, beseeching thee to accept of my humble and hearty thanks, that it hath pleased thy great goodness to keep and preserve me the night past from all the dangers poor mortals are subject to, and has given me sweet and pleasant sleep, whereby I find my body refreshed and comforted for performing the duties of this day, in which I beseech thee to defend me from all perils of body and soul.
Direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the lamb, and purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit, from the dross of my natural corruption, that I may with more freedom of mind and liberty of will serve thee, the everlasting God, in righteousness and holiness this day, and all the days of my life.
Increase my faith in the sweet promises of the Gospel. Give me repentance from dead works. Pardon my wanderings, and direct my thoughts unto thyself, the God of my salvation. Teach me how to live in thy fear, labor in thy service, and ever to run in the ways of thy commandments. Make me always watchful over my heart, that neither the terrors of conscience, the loathing of holy duties, the love of sin, nor an unwillingness to depart this life, may cast me into a spiritual slumber. But daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy Son Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time attain the resurrection of the just unto eternal life. Bless my family, friends and kindred, unite us all in praising and glorifying thee in all our works begun, continued, and ended, when we shall come to make our last account before thee blessed Saviour, who hath taught us thus to pray, our Father.
This prayer by George Washington is a powerful reminder that our leaders need God. They must seek God for His wisdom. We have the duty to intercede for “kings, and for all that are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We must cry out to God from a pure heart. Complaining and criticism come naturally, but a spiritual man will call out to God for His nation and its leaders. Our greatest need is not a policy reform, although many are needed! Our most urgent need is for God’s people to get our eyes back on the King of kings (1 Timothy 6:15).
Will you commit to praying for your nation’s leader today? There are times for believers to speak the truth, but it should come from those who first prayed for their leaders. As we pray for our leaders to be all God instructed them to be, we must allow God to search our hearts. Are we doing all He has commanded us to do?
Many of our friends gave Scott’s booklet, The Need of Our Nation, to their local, state, or federal representatives. This prayer can be found in the appendix at the back of the booklet. Others have studied through it as a church or used it for patriotic events. We pray that God will continue to use His Word to awaken His people.
