GEORGE WASHINGTON’S
PRAYER FOR THE NATION
Written at Newburg, June 8, 1783
Sent to the Governors of all the States
Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United
States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to
cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, and entertain
a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the
United States at large.
And finally, that Thou wilt 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.
Grant our supplications, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A PRAYER OF PENITENCE
Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from Thy ways
like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and the desires of our
own hearts. We have offended against Thy holy laws. We have left undone
those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things
which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But Thou, O
Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare Thou those, O God, who
confess their faults. Restore Thou those who are penitent, according to Thy
promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most
merciful Father, for His sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and
sober life, to the glory of Thy Holy Name. Amen.
8
Woman
The County
Magazine