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Reflections

Presidential Prayers

In my elementary school days in a one-room school house, February was considered “President’s Month.” As this is a presidential election year in our country, I thought it good to once again devote this month to remembering our history.

Together we will review some presidential prayers as an inspiration to daily pray for our country during this crucial election year. We have considered prayers of our first two presidents – Washington and Adams – along with a prayer of Abraham Lincoln.  Today we consider:

A Prayer of Thomas Jefferson

As we look back in history we often think of our presidents as older men. However, when you note Jefferson’s date of birth (1743) as compared to the date of the Declaration of Independence (1776), you realize he was only 33 years old when he wrote that treatise.

The following prayer was given 25 years later on March 4, 1801, the day Jefferson became president. As you read the prayer, make some observations about his basic assumptions, (though some would tell us they were not his beliefs).

Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.

Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
These are some observations I make about the assumptions (or beliefs) of the man who prayed this prayer:

1. The existence of Almighty God
2. That God is the source of blessing and protection
3. That people may pursue God’s blessing for both the material and social realms
4. That with blessing comes responsibility to others
5. That access to God is through Jesus Christ

You will, no doubt, make other observations.

Another interesting observation I made about the prayer is the appropriateness for today. We still need to ask God for to “Save us from violence, discord and confusion” and from the other evils Jefferson mentions.

It occurs to me as I write these articles that those who read this newsletter have the potential of a powerful prayer group. I sit here alone writing, but in cyberspace more than 3000 of you will open this document and read it.

My quirky mathematical mind ran some numbers. The perimeter of the White House is a little more than 600 feet. If we stood shoulder to shoulder, 3000 of us could encircle the White House 10 times (that’s assuming we are each approximately 2 feet wide!)

Now, I’m not asking or wanting us to do this physically, but we can join spiritually each Monday and surround not only the White House but also our judicial and legislative offices with our prayers. Let us join with the leaders of the past and pray for our country in this crucial election year.

Points to Ponder

Have I prayed for my country today? What do my prayers reveal about my basic beliefs?

PEGGY MUSGROVE is a licensed Assemblies of God minister. She is also a speaker, freelance writer, author and prayer group leader. Her latest book, Musings of a Maraschino Cherry was released in 2004.. You can visit her at www.musgroveville.com.

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