10. The Prayer for the First National Thanksgiving.
THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION,
City of New York, October 3, 1789.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee—requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th. day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks, for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation, for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war, for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed, for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions, to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed, to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shown kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord. To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and Us, and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.40
11. Washington’s prayers for the nation at his farewell from the presidency.
In looking forward to the moment, which is intended to terminate the career of my public life…. your support was the essential prop….I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its Administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and Virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it.41
12. A Prayer for peace at a time of impending war.
To THE OFFICERS OF THE TENTH AND NINETY-FIRST REGIMENTS OF THE VIRGINIA MILITIA,
Mount Vernon, October 24, 1798.
That there may be no occasion to gird on the Sword, none more ardently prays than I do; and no one, with more truth could add, that, if unfortunately, in defence of our rights we shall be compelled to unsheath I hope, after the object is attained, would return it to its Scabbard with more heart-felt satisfaction. But to avert the evil, or to meet it like men it is necessary under the present aspect of our Affairs to hold it in our hands, and be united in one band.
Your prayers, and kind wishes in my behalf, I reciprocate with great Cordiality 42
13. Washington’s final written prayer in 1799. Preparing for death, Washington referred to God. He used the Christian custom of beginning this official document in God’s name.
Last Will And Testament
In the name of God amen.
I George Washington of Mount Vernon, a citizen of the United States, and lately President of the same, do make, orda[in] and declare this Instrument; w[hic]h is written with my own hand [an]d every page thereof subscribed [wit]h my name, to be my last Will and [Tes]tament, revoking all others.43
FOR WHOM AND FOR WHAT DID WASHINGTON PRAY?
It is fascinating to consider to whom Washington was writing when he composed these personal prayers. Above, we’ve already considered some of the names on Washington’s prayer list. Yet Washington’s letters contain many more written prayers in various lengths. A study of Washington’s prayers reveal the specifics for which he prayed, manifesting the breadth of his prayer life. The references after the following headings refer to appendix 3, and the specific section where these prayer requests can be found.
Prayer Requests Expressed By Washington for Days of Prayer and Fasting: (Section 2)
Confession and forgiveness of sin
Averting war
Addressing the grievances of Americans against Britain
Providential mercy
Protection and success
Prayer Requests Expressed By Washington for Himself and Family: (Section 3)
To continue to deserve the good sentiments of people.
Safety for Martha
For his fears of the ruin of the military
For health concerns.
For escaping the calamities of war
For provisions for the successful conclusion of the war
For his retirement and return to domestic happiness and peace
For happiness
Prayer Requests Expressed By Washington for His Army and His Officers: (Section 4)
To finish the work
To be preserved and to prosper
To never again be in a state of the severe lack of needed items for life
For success and a safe return from a mission
To avert another campaign
