A Prayer to Help Us Celebrate America’s Presidents

　　By Lynette Kittle

　　Bible Reading: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”—1 Timothy 2:1-2

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　　Presidents’ Day in the United States was originally begun by an Act of Congress in 1879 for all government offices in Washington D.C., as a celebration of the United States’ first President, George Washington’s February 22nd birthday. In 1885 it became a holiday for all federal offices.

　　In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the observance of Washington’s birthday to the third Monday in February in order to create more 3-day weekends.

　　Many states also include our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, born February 12th, in their celebrations, as well as, some states making it a day to recognize all U.S. presidents.

　　Some Presidential Statistics

　　Through the centuries, a variety of men have served as the President of the United States. faith-from-leaders-of-the-past">Prayersand Presidents author and historian William J. Federer offers some interesting presidential statistics

　　Height-wise, the tallest U.S. President was Abraham Lincoln at 6’4” and the shortest, 4th President James Madison, at 5’4”.

　　At 43, 35th President John F. Kennedy was America’s youngest elected president, but 26th President Theodore Roosevelt assumed the office even younger, at 42, after our 25th President William McKinley was assassinated. 46th President Joe Biden is the oldest person to become president, at 78.

　　Sadly, not every United States President left the White House on his own accord. Four presidents died in office, including 9th President William Henry Harrison, 12th President Zachary Taylor, 29th President Warren G. Harding, and 32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

　　As well, four Presidents have been assassinated, including Abraham Lincoln, 20th President James A. Garfield, President William McKinley, and President John F. Kennedy. One president resigned from office, 37th president Richard M. Nixon.

　　As Daniel 2:21 explains, God has a hand in who comes into leadership in our nation. “He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”

　　Presidents Who Called Our Nation to Turn to God

　　Proverbs 8:15 assures us that God has a hand in who reigns and rules on earth. “By Me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just.”

　　Since the United States was birthed, prayer has been recognized and encouraged by many of its Presidents, starting with our first President, George Washington who carried and continually used a pocket-sized edition of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, calling our troops and nation at times to days of prayer.

　　Providence Forum executive director and author of In the Footsteps of Giants, Dr. Jerry Newcombe, explains how during the Revolutionary War, General Washington felt the odds were against them winning, so on July 4th, 1775—a year before independence—he sent this order to his troops: “He requires and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance on Divine service, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense.’"

　　Through the decades, God has moved through America’s leaders. “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that He channels toward all who please Him” (Proverbs 21:1).

　　Our 33rd President, Harry S. Truman, began the National Day of Prayer as an annual observance in 1952, stating: “In times of national crisis when we are striving to strengthen the foundations of peace...we stand in special need of Divine support.”

　　President Richard M. Nixon urged our nation to pray in April 1970 for Apollo 13 astronauts who were in crisis. After their safe return, he set aside Sunday, April 19, 1970, as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

　　40th President Ronald Reagan established the National Day of Prayer on May 5, 1988, to be held each year on the first Thursday in May, saying: “Americans in every generation have turned to their Maker in prayer…We have acknowledged...our dependence on Almighty God.”

　　Likewise, our 43rd President, George W. Bush, declared Days of Prayer after the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina.

　　Let’s Pray:

　　Dear Father,

　　Thank you for the courageous men who have served our nation as president. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for those who have sought to follow Your will and called our citizens to turn to You in prayer and for guidance.

　　Help us, O Lord, to celebrate and be thankful for our nation’s godly heritage. Lead us in how to pray for our presidents no matter who takes office.

　　As Romans 13:7 encourages, help us to honor You by being respectful and honoring of those You have put into leadership, giving to everyone what is due them.

　　In Jesus’ name.

　　Amen

　　Photo Credit: John Silliman/Unsplash

　　Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.

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