The summer of 1783 marked the end of the Revolutionary War. America had won its War for Independence and the peace treaty with England was soon to be signed. There was considerable uncertainty about the future of this newly formed nation, as states were hesitant to concede control to federal authority. George Washington (1732-1799) wrote a final letter as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. His “Circular Letter to the States,” sent to the thirteen governors of the American colonies, outlined four necessities for the survival of the United States: the importance of a strong federal government, paying off the national debt incurred by the war, maintaining a trained militia and setting aside differences to achieve national unity. He closed the letter with a remarkable prayer that follows here. I hesitate to mention that it’s prayed aloud daily at a public wreath-laying ceremony at the Washington’s former Mount Vernon estate. If word gets out, someone will surely try to shut it down.
There is considerable debate among historians about the religious proclivities of America’s first president. Was he a Deist (one who believes in God who does not intervene in human affairs) or a devout Christian? While the final determination is left to God, there are considerable indications to his Christian predilections, having served as a vestryman (spiritual leader) in several Washington, DC area Anglican churches. His nephew recalled him kneeling for morning and evening prayer. His “Daily Sacrifice” Journal of prayers express a vital prayer life as do his letters, like the one mentioned above.
I’m trying to imagine a sitting president in our day writing such a prayer. Don’t hold your breath!