A Prayer for Our Nation
This prayer, originally penned by George Washington, is read aloud each day at Mount Vernon's public wreath laying ceremony.
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
(Prayer adapted from Washington’s Circular Letter to the States, dated June 8, 1783)
What a challenge it is, to live as residents of this world, but to know our true citizenship is heaven. A good challenge, for what a hope we have, that someday the difficulties, burdens, and worries of this life will pass away as we are gathered into holy perfection under the throne of the true and great King.
But it is a challenge in the here and now. What type of people would we be, if we did not have concern for the world we live in? Where would be love, if we didn’t want the best for our friends, family, and the future of the country where we live.
Understandably, we carry with us a deeply rooted desire to see our country pursue paths of peace, justice, unity, and to reflect the moral truths of the God who has created us and blessed us to live together in this land.
So, as we come to another national holiday, this 4th of July, like George Washington many years ago, we pray for our country. Especially, we pray that we would find common purpose, and common ground as people living together in these United States. We pray that charity, humility, and temper of mind would lead us to live together well and to appoint wise, just, and worthy leaders to hold our governing offices. And that all of those who serve in elected positions would bend themselves to the moral laws of the God who has given us life.
And finally, when we become discouraged, because we see in our nation decisions and actions that run contrary to the truth we hold, we pray that God would lead each of us to nontheless live our lives according to his will and desires, and may we be bold to live for a greater purpose and with a higher calling. Let us pray together for our nation, and may we show forth the love of God and be witnesses to him through our lives.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
~Pastor Mike Middaugh
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
(Prayer adapted from Washington’s Circular Letter to the States, dated June 8, 1783)
What a challenge it is, to live as residents of this world, but to know our true citizenship is heaven. A good challenge, for what a hope we have, that someday the difficulties, burdens, and worries of this life will pass away as we are gathered into holy perfection under the throne of the true and great King.
But it is a challenge in the here and now. What type of people would we be, if we did not have concern for the world we live in? Where would be love, if we didn’t want the best for our friends, family, and the future of the country where we live.
Understandably, we carry with us a deeply rooted desire to see our country pursue paths of peace, justice, unity, and to reflect the moral truths of the God who has created us and blessed us to live together in this land.
So, as we come to another national holiday, this 4th of July, like George Washington many years ago, we pray for our country. Especially, we pray that we would find common purpose, and common ground as people living together in these United States. We pray that charity, humility, and temper of mind would lead us to live together well and to appoint wise, just, and worthy leaders to hold our governing offices. And that all of those who serve in elected positions would bend themselves to the moral laws of the God who has given us life.
And finally, when we become discouraged, because we see in our nation decisions and actions that run contrary to the truth we hold, we pray that God would lead each of us to nontheless live our lives according to his will and desires, and may we be bold to live for a greater purpose and with a higher calling. Let us pray together for our nation, and may we show forth the love of God and be witnesses to him through our lives.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
~Pastor Mike Middaugh
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