CLAY CENTER – George Washington, the first President of the United States, was a man of prayer. This spiritual discipline came about long before he was sworn in as President. When he was General of the Continental Army, he drafted a prayer for the new nation and had copies of it sent across the country to all the states and their governors.

“I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States 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 Characteristicks of the Devine 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. Amen.”

Though our language has changed a little since 1783, you can see this godly military general and politician believed in God and understood the power of prayer for a nation. 

We see an illustration of this in the Bible during a transition of power from David, King of Israel, to his son Solomon who would succeed him. Amid this, King David offered a public prayer for his country.

“… direct their hearts toward you” he prayed. (1 Chronicles 29:18) The old, wise king knew who was really over the affairs of his country. Therefore, he prayed that the affections of the people would first and foremost be toward the Lord God. If our hearts are bent chiefly toward a political party or ideology, then we are on a crooked path to an eventual downfall. However, if we fix our eyes straight ahead and walk according to God’s purposes, the foundation of our nation will be made secure.

David also prayed for the new king, “…  may he keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all.” (1 Chronicles 29:19) The experienced King David knew who the author of blessing and cursing on his nation was. And He knew how to remain in a healthy relationship with the Lord God and how to follow His counsel in governing. He knew all these answers were found in the Scriptures and prayed the next king would give himself to knowing and following God through His Word.

As the seasoned king prayed, he was aware of the price of neglect. He knew that each person, his own son and the entire nation, could do as they wished. As a result, he warned them choose not to abandon God and go their own way. For there would be a high cost to the country if they did. 

Pray for Donald Trump, our new President of the United States. As we do, let us also commit ourselves toward God. May our hearts be fixed on Him. Additionally, let us pray that President Trump will know God personally and walk in accordance with His holy Word for the welfare of his own soul and our nation. 

A prayer for you – Father in heaven, at the beginning of this new presidential administration we pray for our new president and for America. May the people of our country direct their hearts toward you. May President Trump humble himself before you, place his faith in Christ alone and walk daily in holiness and obedience according to your eternal Word. May the church in our land be good stewards of the gospel of Jesus Christ, carrying it to all our citizens, that all might repent and believe. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Clint Decker is president of Great Awakenings. Share comments at cdecker@greatawakenings.org and follow his blog at clintdecker.blogspot.com.