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
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