When Atheists Pray
Have you heard “there are no atheists in foxholes”? When you are under fire from the enemy, you are more ready to believe in God and pray. Washington had already been a man of prayer, but no doubt leading missions like the crossing of the Delaware River, with its ice flows at Christmastime, gave Washington much reason to pray. One of his prayers is preserved in the Library of Congress. You can read it below.
A Prayer by George Washington
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 [peaceful] 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. (Emphasis added.)
https://www.loc.gov/resource/rbpe.20803000/?st=text
General Orders, 4 July 1775
The General [Washington] most earnestly requires, and expects, a due observance of those articles of war, established for the Government of the army, which forbid profane cursing, swearing & drunkeness; And in like manner requires & expects, of all Officers, and Soldiers, not engaged on actual duty, a punctual attendance on divine service, to implore the blessings of heaven upon the means used for our safety and defence. (Emphasis added.)
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-01-02-0027
Many of us today would not qualify to enter the service in Washington’s army. But did you know that God’s requirements to enter Heaven are much higher? They are found in the Ten Commandments. Have you ever told a lie, stolen, or taken God’s name in vain? Have you ever coveted something that belonged to someone else? This commandment checks our heart’s desires? Jesus said that if we lust for someone who is not our spouse, we commit adultery in our heart. (See Matthew. 5:28.) James 2:10 tells us that if we have broken even one commandment, we are guilty of breaking all of them.
Furthermore, General Washington’s orders only applied from that day forward. God’s Ten Commandments even apply to our past. Why? Because God wrote His Law in our hearts. (See Romans. 2:15.) Our conscience bears knowledge that we knew when we had done wrong. The consequence of breaking God’s Law is death. “For the wages of sin is death;” Romans 6:23a. We have earned death, and we cannot remove that penalty by being good. Turning over a “new leaf” does not satisfy the judgment of breaking God’s Law any more than helping an elderly lady cross the street would take away the penalty for robbing a bank.
But there is hope! Romans 6:23 goes on to say, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus never sinned. He lived a perfect life, yet he died on the cross. Why did He die? He died for us–as our substitute. We earned death; He didn’t. He died for us so that we don’t have to die eternally. Please repent of your sin and turn to Jesus. Cry out for His forgiveness.” For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!” Romans 10:13.
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Samuel Adams
John Quincy Adams
“Posterity—you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.”
George Washington
Samuel Adams
John Quincy Adams
“Posterity—you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.”