As our nation celebrates the blessings of liberty, this prayer—adapted from the closing paragraph of George Washington's Circular Letter to the States, written on June 8, 1783—offers a timeless reflection on the virtues needed for a strong and united people. Washington's words call upon God to guide the nation in justice, mercy, humility, and charity.
Adapted from George Washington's Circular Letter to the States, June 8, 1783.
George Washington's Prayer for Our Nation
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;
To 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.
Without a humble imitation of 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.
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