Celebrating Independence

George Washington’s Prayer for America

This is the month we celebrate the independence of the United States of America from the British Empire. George Washington was a significant figure in that independence. After the Revolutionary War, George Washington attempted to retire as commander in chief of the Continental army to a private life in 1783. In his ‘Circular to the States’, he recounts the successes of the war for independence and encourages citizens to support and maintain a strong and useful government. He prays for the citizens in the document:

“I now make it my earnest prayer, That God would have you, and the State over which you preside, 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, and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally, that Thou wilt 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 characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, though Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

His retirement was short-lived, as he became President of the United States in 1789.

As we celebrate the independence of the country we live, let’s follow President Washington’s example and pray for our country, even this very prayer. Let’s live in such a way that people see the freedom we have in this nation is more than just the country but is found in the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace

Brian Frank