“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.”

— Psalm 69:30

Some people question the Christianity of George Washington, but the facts speak for themselves. He was a vestryman in good standing in the Episcopal Church at a time when their doctrine conformed closely to evangelical teaching. He was well-known for his godly disposition and his fervent prayer life, for instance, when he was spotted kneeling in prayer at Valley Forge.

His prayers were answered as God sovereignly helped the fledgling nation in its struggle against the most powerful nation on earth. So much so that Washington wrote this to Thomas Nelson, Jr. in a letter dated August 20, 1778: “The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.”

When Washington was inaugurated in 1789 in New York City, he got down on his knees and kissed the Bible. Then he led the entire Senate and House of Representatives to an Episcopal church for a two-hour worship service.

When Washington left office, he penned a lengthy Farewell Address, considered one of the greatest messages in American history. Listen to what he said about the place of religion in our national life: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness.”

Lord, give us strength to preserve this great nation You have given us. Help us to learn from some of our nation’s founders to put You and Your Word first in our lives…

BY GOD’S STRENGTH, WE CAN
RESTORE THIS NATION.