Holiday Series! In Honor of Presidents Day

Holiday Series!
In Honor of Presidents Day

by Sandra Gilmore


"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

Which president first signed a resolution calling for an annual day of prayer?

Harry S. Truman signed the resolution on July 4, 1952, commenting, "In times of national crisis when we are striving to strengthen the foundations of peace and security we stand in special need of divine support."

His immediate successor, Dwight D. Eisenhower offered these words in prayer.

Before all else, we seek, upon our common labor as a nation, the blessings of Almighty God. And the hopes in our hearts fashion the deepest prayers of our whole people.

May we pursue the right -- without self-righteousness.

May we know unity - - without conformity.

May we grow in strength - - without pride in self.

May we, in our dealings with all peoples of the earth, ever speak truth and serve justice. And so shall America - - in the sight of all men of good will - - prove true to the honorable purposes that bind and rule us as a people in all this time of trial through which we pass.



copyright 2010

In Honor of Presidents Day

Holiday Series!
In Honor of Presidents Day
by Sandra Gilmore


"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

Did you recognize who offered the plea for prayer in yesterday's devotion?

It was William Jefferson Clinton. He spoke those words at the National Prayer Breakfast, February 6, 1997.


Clinton was participating in a day designated by a resolution calling for an annual day of prayer. Which president first signed this resolution calling for an annual day of prayer?

Check back tomorrow for the answer.

In the meantime, we can meditate on his words from 1945.

"We can all pray. We all should pray. We should ask the fulfillment of God's will. We should ask for courage, wisdom, for the quietness of soul which comes alone to them who place their lives in His hands."

copyright 2010

In Honor of Presidents Day

Holiday Series
In Honor of Presidents Day
by Sandra Gilmore

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14


Ever made history? Ever changed history? This week you can - -with your prayers. In honor of Presidents' Day, please pray for the direction of our country, and as you do, you will participate in one of the most critical times in our nation's history. This week's devotion series is a reflection of the times we are in. We've compiled a collection of prayers from former presidents throughout our nation's history. Some will surprise you. Some will touch you. Hopefully, all will motivate you to pray for this great nation!

And for our international friends, please take this opportunity to pray for your own political leaders. The world needs God's love and wisdom!

See if you recognize the following plea for prayer. Check back tomorrow to see who actually offered this plea for prayer for our nation's leaders.

Pray for the people in public office. . .I ask you to pray for us. . .Pray for the people in public office that we can rid ourselves of this toxic atmosphere of cynicism, and embrace with joy and gratitude this phenomenal opportunity and responsibility before us. Do not forget people in the rest of the world who depend upon the United States for more than exhortation, and most of all, remember that in every scripture of every faith, there are hundreds and hundreds of admonitions - - to not forget those among us who are poor. They are no longer entitled to a handout, but they surely deserve and we are ordered to give them a hand up.

copyright 2010