Earnest Prayer

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it, with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2

George Washington’s first attempt at retirement to a private life came in 1783 when he retired as commander in chief of the Continental Army. Washington wrote a prayer at his headquarters in Newburgh, New York, at the close of the Revolutionary War. His “Circular Letter to the States,” which was directed to the governors and states of the new nation says, “I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, 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 characteristics of the Divine 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.” 

This prayer is now read aloud daily at Mount Vernon’s public wreath-laying ceremony. 

The Apostle Paul encouraged the Colossians to exercise ongoing and regular prayer. He also earnestly asked others to pray for his ministry. So make prayer as important to you as it was to Paul. Set aside time each day to spend with God. When you do, earnestly pray for America’s leaders to seek His plan for their personal and public decisions.