Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Fourth of July

George Washington's prayer for America.

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 of America 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 whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech thee, through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen

 
It was during the cold and long winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge that General George Washington sought God's help on his knees.

I discovered while researching for this post that the story of George Washington praying at Valley Forge is debatable.  Up until now I always thought it to be true. . . . I must say it has left me a little disappointed.  But with that said, research doesn't say he didn't pray,  so I think I'll keep it in my heart that he did until proven otherwise.  There are several people who say they witnessed the event, but researchers want to call that 'hear say', wouldn't everything documented before camera's and audio recording's be hear say? 
Just a thought!


America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!


Today I'm remembering my Daddy, every fourth he had sparklers for little brother and I to enjoy.  I remember anxiously waiting for it to get dark and watching as he lit each one, handing them to us making sure we didn't hold them too close.

Wishing all of you a very happy
Fourth of July

We'll be watching the fireworks tonight!!

Until Next Time
God Bless America





11 comments:

  1. Sparklers!

    I have to say, I believe Washington prayed. I wasn't there and you weren't there, but neither were those hearsay people. Who are you going to believe? :-)



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  2. I'm SURE Washington prayed. For goodness sake, how can anyone know unless they were there. But I believe he was a Christian, so of course he prayed. I have fond memories of sparklers too!

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  3. Whether he prayed or not, this is a wonderful prayer; one our leaders of today could do well to pray. God has been so merciful to America. I'm afraid there's not a lot of gratitude anymore though.

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  4. Those brave men prayed. There are no atheists in the fox holes says the old saying.
    Lovely Post!
    Happy July 4th!!!

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  5. I agree with your thought of "hear say". I do believe he would have prayed.

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  6. Me too...smiles...hope your day was a lovely one, Mary.

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  7. I believe George Washington prayed, as did most Americans back then. People were more conscious of their need of God, especially in leading this young nation to freedom...and I pray that our leaders will still recognize that need today. God Bless America! Land of the free!! So thankful for our freedoms that were fought for by so many...so many who have given their lives for our freedom. So thankful.

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  8. I too choose to believe George Washington prayed as most in the beginning of our nation prayed and believed. I too pray our nation's leaders still realize the need to bring us back to God. I thank the Lord every day for the blessings I have been given. Thank you for your wonderful post. Have a blessed evening dear Mary.

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  9. What a beautiful post, Ms. Mary. I want to believe that George Washington prayed....a LOT! That is one thing that is missing in our government, today. I want to think that Mr. Trump prays, too, and what we see isn't just "lip service" that he really does have a heart for the Lord. Anyway, I'm getting off the topic...which is normal for me these days, as the old mind tends to wander! ;-) HOPE you had a great 4th of July and today is full of blessings! (love your header and background!)

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  10. I, too, prefer to believe that George Washington prayed.

    I had forgotten about the sparklers of my childhood until I read about your daddy always having some for you and your brother. Thank you for the memories!

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  11. Came back to read the prayer again. I never tire of it and it is inspirational to see how our founding fathers thought and felt.
    Wonderful post.

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