George Washington's 'earnest prayer'

Below is an excerpt from the prayer written by Washington at Newburgh, New York, at the close of the Revolutionary War on June 14, 1783. It was sent to the 13 governors of the newly freed states in a "Circular Letter Addressed to the Governors of all the States on the Disbanding of the Army."

"It remains, then, to be my final and only request that your Excellency will communicate these sentiments to your legislature at their next meeting, and that they may be considered the legacy of one, who has ardently wished, on all occasions, to be useful to his country, and who, even in the shade of retirement, will not fail to implore the divine benediction on it."

"I now make it my earnest prayer that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, 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 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 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."

Two praying as one

Psalm 127:1
"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain."

As we pray for our son, who is single, my wife and I often acknowledge that love and marriage are gifts from God ... a wonderful part of His perfect plan in a fallen world. It is not a given, we concede, that God's blessings for His children include marriage and a family. So it is that part of our prayer for our son's future goes something like this: "Lord, if your will for our son includes a wife and family, we pray that you will prepare the way even now for him and for the woman he will take as his wife. We pray that each shall recognize and covet today the importance of living a life that is pleasing to you, including denial of a cultural message that says, 'If it feels good, do it'."


This being said, I want today to encourage married couples to commit to regular time in prayer TOGETHER, as one. It is amazing how God has blessed our marriage in the wake of a decision several years ago to pray together. I am embarassed to admit that I failed for many years of our marriage to make husband/wife prayer time a priority in our home.


It is hard for many to establish this element of married life, even with the best of intentions. In addition to the significant obstacle of making schedules match, there are challenges including the ancient stumbling blocks: fear and pride ("What does she think about the way I pray?" or even "Is it safe to share 'out loud' what is on my heart right now?").


As the Scripture emphasizes, marriage is important to the Lord. Why else would He have encouraged it? When "the two become one," doesn't it follow that the Father desires to spend time not only with son and daughter individually, but also with husband and wife "as one?"


For encouragement in your marriage, I first urge the obvious: spend time in the Word apart AND together. I also suggest occasional "visits" to Christian ministries including Family Talk, Men's Fraternity and Focus on the Family. God calls us to be in prayer always. Commit today to making prayer with your spouse a part of each day on this journey toward eternal life with the Father.

Our all access Father

This morning in our father's group we spent some time naming people we would like to lift up in prayer. Before we started "the prayer," one of my brothers shared an insightful "revelation."

"Even as we speak, God is present, listening to our conversation, hearing the names of those we intend to pray for. He's already heard our prayers."

How true! God assures us that wherever two or more are gathered, He is with us. Jesus Christ tells us in the Word: "Lo, I am with you always." I shared the fact that I was once a bit puzzled about the concept of prayer "without ceasing." The reality is, our surrender of self and commitment to Jesus Christ the Messiah means He dwells in us. There is no separation except that which we create when we choose to go our own way.

We went on to talk about the fact that God instructs us to pray not only "one on one," but also in fellowship with others. There are times when we pray "alone," and times when we join in prayer with others. Sometimes our prayer is silent; sometimes we speak boldly so others can hear. Other times we kneel and bow our heads, and sometimes we raise arms and eyes to Heaven. In short, there is no "pose" or "formula" for our conversation with the Father. He is all about relationship ... all access, all the time. He loves us. God is good!

Isaiah 65:24
"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear."

In Jesus' name

"Did God really say..."
With those words Satan, who had already led legions of angels into an eternal state of separation from God, began his cruel campaign of deceit and death on earth. Let there be no doubt: he continues to sow the seeds of death with his lies, despite the fact that Christ's death and resurrection have sealed his fate and delivered God's children from a similar end.

One of Satan's favorite lies sounds something like this: "You don't honestly believe God is personally interested in you, do you!? He is far away and concerned about more important matters. Surely you don't think He'll hear your sniveling prayers -- much less answer them!"

Of course God IS interested in every human being. He loves to hear from us, even sending His Son Jesus Christ in order that we might have the privilege of direct access to Him. God instructs us in Scripture to come confidently into His presence through Jesus -- to talk to Him about everything. In the gospel of John, Jesus Himself gives us the assurance of answered prayer:

John 16:24
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

When He made this statement, Jesus was speaking to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. He did not say they had never before asked for anything in prayer, but He noted they had not asked in His name.

As believers in Christ, we are invited to ask in His name, because we belong to Him. To ask in His name means to ask in His authority and on His merit. Just as the Father answered Jesus' every prayer, so He will answer you when you ask in Jesus' name.

Do not listen to the lie. Claim God's promises, come to Him in prayer, and step forward in full expectation that He has heard and will answer.

* Acknowledgements to The Navigators and a Scripture memory booklet titled: "Beginning with Christ." See www.NavPress.com

Bless the Lord, O my soul

This week I have been reminded in dramatic fashion of God's faithfulness. I went to the doctor regarding a knee injury (ACL) that dates back 35 years, anticipating a surgery to restore the ligament. The doctor showed me an X-ray comparing my two knees and he expressed surprise that I have been able to function as I have all these years as my right knee is "bone on bone." God's message to me: "I have extended my healing touch to that knee all these years. I know all about your body ... and surgery is not what I have in mind for you at this time."
I give thanks again this morning for the answer to my many prayers concerning this injury over the years; I give thanks for the recent, ongoing intercessory prayers of family, of brothers and sisters in Christ; I look forward to His continued faithfulness, and I expect his greater reward!
Psalm 103:1-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me,
Bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.