April 17: Praying with George Washington

Wreath laying at George Washington Grave
Wreath laying at George Washington Grave

I’ve had the privilege of laying a wreath at the grave of George Washington, the father of our country.

At the ceremony, one of our group read what is referred to as his prayer for his country. This prayer is read twice daily at Mount Vernon.

“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 pleased 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 things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.”   Amen

https://www.mountvernon.org/the-estate-gardens/the-tombs/george-washingtons-prayer-for-his-country/

George Washington
George Washington

Did you notice how Biblical this prayer was? I caught references to at least 5 different passages of Scripture. Let me know if I missed any:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Romans 13:1

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:34

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6:8

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:14

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.

Philippians 2:7

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. 

Psalm 33:12

Let’s try to pray Biblical prayers as well!

For more on George Washington’s religious beliefs check out this article from WallBuilders.

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