UNPATRIOTIC: ACCORDING TO GEORGE WASHINGTON

Any pastor, politician, government official, educator or entertainer
who would do this, is in the words of our Founding Father, “Unpatriotic.”

In his Farewell Address to the nation, after serving two terms as president, George Washington presented two things as being "indispensable" for national prosperity, and then warned against the supposition that anyone could be a patriot who would seek to subvert these two pillars of “political prosperity” and “human happiness.” Thomas Jefferson was so impressed with Washington’s Address that he made it required reading at the University of Virginia, which he founded.

The two things Washington warned are "indispensable" for political prosperity were "religion and morality." We should note that when Washington, or any of the Founders, use the word “religion” the word “Christianity” can be substituted. “Christianity” and “religion” were synonymous to them. And while they were tolerant of other religions, they were not “religious pluralists” in the modern sense. They unashamedly derived their morals and values from Christianity—from the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament.

Christianity Indispensable for Political Prosperity

Note that Washington referred to religion [Christianity] as “indispensable” to political prosperity. He did not see faith as a mere right or something to be tolerated, but as something indispensable to the well-being of the nation.

Washington knew that people derive their values from religion and that a free republic could only be maintained by a moral and virtuous people. All the Founders, in fact, wanted Christian values and principles taught in in every public venue because they believed such to be vital for political prosperity and social stability. This is what John Adams was referring to when he said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the governance of any other.”

Interestingly, the very things Washington considered “indispensable” for political prosperity—morality and Christianity--are the very things under attack today in our nation, and the very things so many of our political leaders seem hell-bent on removing from the public life of the nation.

Pillars for Human Happiness

Washington referred to Christianity and morality, not only as indispensable for political prosperity, but as the “two great pillars of human happiness” and the “firmest props of the duties of citizens.” Washington and all the Founders believed there to be a direct link between morality and happiness, and in this Farewell Address Washington insisted that morality could not be maintained apart from Christianity. He said;

“And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”

The Criteria for Patriotism

So, for Washington, Christianity and morality were absolute necessities for both individual happiness and for political stability. Therefore, anyone who would seek to subvert "Christianity and morality" could not claim to be a patriot for by doing so they would be undermining the happiness of the people and stability of the Republic they claim to serve. He said,

“In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them.

In other words, any pastor, politician, government official, educator or entertainer who would undermine the influence of Christianity and morality in America, is in the words of our Founding Father, “Unpatriotic.”

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Dr. Eddie Hyatt is an author, Biblical scholar and ordained minister with a vision for another Great Awakening in America and around the world. His books are available from Amazon and from his website atwww.eddiehyatt.com/bookstore.html. To invite him to speak to your congregation, group or event, send an email to dreddiehyatt@gmail.com.

AMERICA: THE ORIGINAL VISION

Karl Marx once said, "People without a heritage are easily persuaded," and in the last 50 years there has been an all-out assault on this nation's Christian heritage. Anti-Christian revisionist have rewritten this nation's history and expunged Christian references and quotes from its founders. Children in public schools and students in college no longer hear of Benjamin Franklin's commitment to Christian teachings, George Washington's faith, or how during the Revolutionary War the Continental Congress issued 15 different calls for days of prayer and fasting. 

The truth is that America was founded by godly people of faith in Jesus and the Bible. Even those who were not what we would call evangelical Christians held to a Christian way of thinking and believed Christian values to be absolutely necessary for a stable and prosperous nation. One of America's Founders, Patrick Henry, summed it up when he said, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ."

I recently presented this overview of America's Christian heritage in a 3-part "Revive America" event at Christian Life Assembly of God in Picayune, Mississippi. I hope you will share these messages with your pastor, teacher, and friends. And check out my website at www.eddiehyatt.com.

THEY CAME WITH A VISION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEt9EQLiP6U

A NATION BIRTHED OUT OF GREAT SPIRITUAL AWAKENING

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOO3we9ZkLo

A NATION BIRTHED IN PRAYER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOcbrTWFk1k

AN AMAZING NATIVE AMERICAN PROPHECY CONCERNING GEORGE WASHINGTON AND THE BIRTH OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

George Washington (1732-1799) was providentially prepared for his role as the preeminent founding father of the United States of America. Numerous remarkable incidents occurred in his life and career that even he could only attribute to the providential hand of God.

One of the most amazing incidents occurred when an old Native American chief declared of a young Washington, "He will become chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him the founder of a mighty nation."

Providentially Protected in Battle

This prophecy came forth in 1770 as Washington and the chief were reminiscing about the Battle of Fort Duquesne in which both had participated, but on opposite sides. The Battle of Fort Duquesne had occurred in July 1755 when 1,459 British soldiers were ambushed by a large contingent of Native American warriors who had joined the French in their fight with the British for control of the North American continent. It proved to be one of the bloodiest days in Anglo American history with 977 British soldiers killed or wounded. It was a day also, however, when Washington's legendary fame for bravery began to spread throughout the land.

Washington, in his early 20s at the time, had been recruited by the British because of his knowledge of the ways of the wilderness and the American Indians. He had acquired this knowledge in his work as a surveyor of wilderness territory.

Assigned to travel with the British General Braddock to take Fort Duquesne (present day Pittsburgh), Washington found his advice for traveling through the wilderness and dealing with the Natives ignored by Braddock who considered him a young upstart colonialist.

But when the ambush occurred and Braddock himself was wounded, Washington took charge and organized an orderly retreat while at the same time putting his own life at risk, rescuing the wounded and placing them in wagons. During this time of chaos, two horses were shot out from under him and his clothes were shredded with bullets.

He emerged unscathed and gave glory to God, saying, "I was saved by the miraculous care of providence that saved me beyond human expectation." His reputation for bravery immediately spread among both the English and the Native Americans

The Prophecy Comes Forth

It was now fifteen years later in 1770 and Washington and a friend had  been exploring an area along the Ohio River when they encountered a group of Native Americans. Recognizing Washington, the Natives invited the men back to their camp to meet with their chief, whom it turned out had fought on the side of the French in the Battle of Duquesne.

According to historian, George Bancroft, they were having a cordial visit and then the old chief, pointing to Washington, spoke the amazing prophecy. He said;

"I am chief and ruler over all my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the Great Lakes, and to the far blue mountains. I have traveled a long and weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle. It was on the day when the white man's blood mixed with the streams of our forest that I first beheld this chief. I called to my young men and said, 'Mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the redcoat tribe—he hath an Indian's wisdom, and his warriors fight as we do—himself alone is exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies.' Our rifles were leveled—rifles which, but for him, knew not how to miss. Twas all in vain; a power far mightier than we shielded him from harm. He cannot die in battle. The Great Spirit protects that man, and guides his destinies. He will become chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him the founder of a mighty nation" (Benjamin Hart, Faith & Freedom, 234).

The Prophecy Fulfilled

Five years later war broke out with Great Britain and Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the colonial army. He led his outnumbered, outgunned troops to an amazing victory over the British through numerous unusual incidents that he attributed to the providential intervention of God. He then presided over the Constitutional Convention and was later unanimously elected the first president of the United States of America. He is the only president to have received 100% of the electoral votes, not once but twice.

Washington's sacrificial service, in which he put the good of the country ahead of his own personal aspirations, endeared him to the hearts of all Americans. "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen," was a common adage ascribed to Washington by his generation, which also considered him the "father of his country." When he died on December 14, 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered ten days of mourning throughout France. In America, thousands wore mourning clothes for months. 

The old chief was right!

Our Responsibility

As we are remember George Washington on his birthday, let us not forget that we, as a nation, owe our very existence to the providential mercies of Almighty God. And let us not suppose that we can continue as a nation without His providential care. Let us therefore beseech Him to have mercy upon us as a nation and visit us again with His mercy and power.

Check out Dr. Eddie Hyatt's book, 1726: The Year that Defined America, availalable from Amazon and his website at www.eddiehyatt.com. He is also the founder of the "1726 Project" which is dedicated to educating American Christians about the nation's birth out of a great spiritual awakening.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S SURPRISING ROLE IN THE SPIRITUAL AWAKENING THAT TRANSFORMED COLONIAL AMERICA

An Inconvenient Truth for Secularists and Liberal Progressives

Today--Sunday, January 17--is Benjamin Franklin’s birthday. Franklin is well-known for many things, including his inventions, his kite flying, his skepticism and his role as one of America’s most famous Founding Fathers. What is not so well-known about Franklin is that he was one of the movers and shakers who helped spread the religious awakening--known as the Great Awakening--that transformed Colonial America. 

This occurred primarily through his friendship and business partnership with George Whitefield, the most famous preacher of the Awakening. Franklin and Whitefield became close friends and Franklin took on the task of printing and distributing Whitefield’s sermons and journals. He also carried reports of Whitefield’s travels and meetings in his popular paper, The Pennsylvania Gazette.

Franklin first met Whitefield in 1739 when the 24-year-old arrived in America to spread the fiery brand of evangelical-revivalism that he and the Wesley brothers, John and Charles, had been preaching in England. He arrived in Philadelphia in the fall of that year and immediately attracted large crowds estimated at 10-12,000 who gathered to hear him preach in the open air from the steps of the city courthouse. The population of Philadelphia at the time is estimated to have been around 13,000.

Franklin, at the time, was a skeptical printer, having drifted away from his Christian-Puritan roots in New England and having adopted rationalistic views from the Enlightenment, particularly those known as Deism. He was eight years older than Whitefield and one of the leading and most respected citizens of the city.

Franklin was intrigued at Whitefield’s attraction to the masses and amazed at the crowds that came to hear him preach. He wrote;

The multitudes of all sects and denominations that attended his sermons were enormous, and it was a matter of speculation to me, who was one of the number, to observe the extraordinary influence of his oratory on his hearers. It was wonderful to see the change soon made in the manners of our inhabitants. From being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it seemed as if all the world were growing religious so that one could not walk through the town in an evening without hearing psalms sung in different families of every street.[i]

Franklin was obviously thrilled at what he saw and he considered the revival a positive influence on the city. He, in fact, describes the transformation of the manners of the people as “wonderful.” There is not the slightest hint of any concern or hesitation from Franklin concerning this Great Awakening.

He soon made Whitefield’s acquaintance and the two worked out an arrangement for him to publish Whitefield’s sermons and journals. I use the word “publish,” for Franklin not only printed his sermons and journals, but also promoted them and sold them. He had in place the means to do this through the two papers he published, The Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard’s Almanac, both very popular and widely distributed.

The demand for Whitefield’s sermons and journals was obviously great for the May 22, 1740 edition of the Pennsylvania Gazette carried the notice that “the whole number of names subscribed far exceeds the number of books printed. Those subscribers who have paid or who bring the money in their hands will have preference.” After Whitefield departed Philadelphia, Franklin continued to carry news of his travels and meetings in his papers, thus spreading news of the Awakening and alerting other areas of Whitefield’s arrival.

Franklin obviously played a role in Whitefield’s positive reception in New England and Boston, his city of birth. Franklin’s older brother, James, was a well-established printer in Boston and in a letter to James he told him about his revivalist friend and said, “Whitefield is a good man and I love him.” There can be little doubt that Franklin’s positive attitude toward Whitefield and the Awakening played a major role in Boston and New England giving Whitefield and the Awakening a hearty welcome. Huge crowds gathered everywhere he preached and in Boston he preached to a crowd estimated at 25,000 on the Boston Common. 

 Whitefield and the Great Awakening had their critics but Franklin was not one of them. He, in fact, came to Whitefield’s defense when some suggested that the offerings he collected for an orphanage in Georgia were actually going into his own pocket. In his Autobiography, written years after the fact, Franklin mentioned this criticism of Whitefield and wrote;

I, who was intimately acquainted with him, being employed in printing his Sermons and Journals, never had the least suspicion of his integrity, but am to this day decidedly of opinion that he was in all his conduct a perfectly honest man.[ii]

The friendship between Franklin and Whitefield continued for 31 years until the time of Whitefield’s death in 1770. During this time, they carried on a continual correspondence by letters in which they shared personally about their lives and goals. Whitefield also stayed in Franklin’s home on subsequent visits to Philadelphia.

An example of the depth of their friendship is demonstrated by a letter Franklin wrote to Whitefield in June of 1757 proposing that they partner together in the founding of a new Christian colony “i­­­­n the Ohio.” He suggested that they settle there a “religious and industrious people” and declared that it would “greatly facilitate the introduction of pure religion” among the Native Americans in that region. Although time and circumstances did not allow the proposal to be carried out, it shows the depth of respect that Franklin had for Whitefield and his brand of evangelical-revivalism.

Franklin was in London when Whitefield died on the morning of September 30, 1770 in Newburyport, MA after preaching for several hours the day before. Because he was so well-known, condolences poured in from many quarters. When Franklin received word of his friend’s passing, he wrote;

I knew him intimately upwards of 30 years; his integrity disinterestedness, and indefatigable zeal in prosecuting every good work, I have never seen equaled; I shall never see exceeded.

What would Franklin be be referring to in the every good work to which he refers in this eulogy? It most certainly includes Whitefield's tireless labors in traveling and preaching the Gospel throughout Colonial America. Although Whitefield was a humanitarian who raised money for orphanages in both England and America, he was known, first and foremost, for his preaching and revivalism. There is thus no question that Franklin considered the Great Awakening, produced in great part by Whitefield's tireless travels and preaching, to have been a "good work."

These facts about Franklin and his role in spreading the Great Awakening in Colonial America will not be found in the history textbooks used in today’s public schools and colleges. It is an inconvenient truth that the modern secularist chooses to ignore. But for those who love the truth and are committed to following truth wherever it leads, it is like a breath of fresh air to the soul and reminds us of the words of Jesus in John 8:32, And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

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[i] Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 100.

[ii] Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 102.

This article is derived from Eddie Hyatt's latest book, The Faith & Vision of Benjamin Franklin, available from Amazon and his website at www.eddiehyatt.com/bookstore.html.

WHEN OBEDIENCE TO GOD REQUIRES DISOBEDIENCE TO MAN

"Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God."

Benjamin Franklin

Here’s kudos to the French government for going all-out to protect its citizens from suffering further attacks from Muslim terrorists. It is sad that the Obama administration does not have the same sort of commitment to protect American citizens, but seems willing to roll the dice with American lives in order to further its own socialist-political agenda.

God’s Purpose for Civil Government

Romans 13:1-5 makes it clear that human government was instituted by God and that government leaders have a moral and divine responsibility to protect their citizens from evil. Human government became necessary because of the fall and the entry of sin and evil into the world (Genesis 3). James Madison, the chief architect of the American Constitution, understood this and wrote, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

Men, however, are not angels and Scripture is clear that in a fallen world God places kings, prime ministers and presidents in positions of authority for the primary purpose of protecting the good and punishing the evil. Roman 13:4 goes so far as to call the government official, God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

A Biblical View of the World is Needed

The problem with the present administration is that it holds a post-modern world-view in which evil does not exist. In this fantasy world of left-wing philosophy, there is no absolute right and wrong, no absolute good and evil and no absolute truth and falsehood. In this delusional way of thinking, modern Marxist or Islamic revolutionaries are no different than George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and the other American Founders.

This post-modern way of thinking clouds a person’s vision, rendering them incapable of making important distinctions in life. This is why the president could make the ridiculous statement that vetting the thousands of Muslim, Syrian refugees is no different than processing the many tourists who visit this country every year. This is why he and his cohorts cannot bring themselves to utter the words "Islamic extremists."

Power Brings Responsibility

Governmental power is not about privilege, but responsibility. Sadly, this president sees the presidency in terms of personal privilege, not civil responsibility. When asked what he liked most about being president, he immediately replied, “Air Force One.”

Seeing the presidency in terms of privilege, he has used the power of the office to push his own personal agendas and neglected his responsibility to protect the American people and lead the free world. Robert Gates, his first Secretary of Defense, said the only time he saw the president passionate was when he discussed dispensing with “don’t ask, don’t tell,” and opening the military to practicing homosexuals.

Under this presidency, religious liberty and freedom of conscience have been sacrificed for political correctness and promotion of the homosexual lifestyle. Christian business owners—such as florists and bakers--have been prosecuted because they politely refused to provide services for same-sex weddings. Kim Davis, a county clerk, was jailed because she politely declined to sign a same-sex marriage license.

While this president has been preoccupied with pushing his socialist vision for America, he has turned a blind eye to the thousands of Christians in the Middle East who are being slaughtered and their churches and communities destroyed by ISIS. I can't help but believe that this nation has blood on its hands for not coming to their rescue.

God expects those with power to use it responsibly to rescue those who are suffering under evil. Proverbs 24:11-12 makes clear that God will hold accountable those who have the power to rescue those being slaughtered but do nothing to help.

Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?

The indifference of this president toward suffering Christians of the Middle East casts a shadow of doubt on his claim of compassion toward the Syrian refugees and makes one wonder what his true motive is for wanting to bring thousands of Muslims into this country? Interestingly, 27 Iraqi Christians who escaped the terror in their homeland and crossed the southern border into the U.S. have been refused refugee status by this administration and are being deported.

Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God

This president is using the power granted to him by God and the American people in a way that is inconsistent with God’s purpose for civil government. Not only is he not protecting American citizens or rescuing those being led away to slaughter, he is using his presidential power in an oppressive manner, especially toward Christians and political opponents. This is known as “tyranny” and rulers who act in this way are known as “tyrants.”

“Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God” was a phrase coined by Benjamin Franklin that became very popular during the American Revolution and was even considered for use on the Great Seal of the nation. King George was a tyrant who sought to forcefully control the lives of the Colonists without any input on their part. Tyrants are not so concerned with protecting lives as they are controlling lives and having it their way. Tyrants are not to be obeyed; they are to be confronted!

What We Can We Do

Yes, we are to be respectful toward government leaders and pray for them. That is a given and a priority. But called by our Lord to be salt and light, we are also to confront them when they are wrong. Moses confronted Pharaoh. Samuel confronted King Saul. Nathan confronted King David when he sinned. An unnamed prophet confronted King Jeroboam for his idolatry. Elijah confronted Ahab, etc., etc.

In the New Testament, John the Baptist confronted Herod for his adultery. Jesus confronted the religious-civil authorities of His day, calling them hypocrites and white-washed tombs full of dead men's bones. When Peter and John confronted the Jewish authorities for their unbelief and were ordered to stop teaching and preaching in the name of Jesus, they replied, We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

It is time for the American Christian to stand up and speak the truth in love. Our third president, Thomas Jefferson, said, “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.” Pray for the president and all governmental leaders, but stand against the idiocy and ungodliness that is coming out of Washington D.C.

Dr. Eddie L. Hyatt is an author, historian and ordained minister. His latest book, The Faith & Vision of Benjamin Franklin, demonstrates how even this "nonreligious" American Founder held a Christian world-view and believed Christian morality absolutely necessary for a stable and prosperous nation. For more information on Eddie's ministry and his vision for America, go to his website at www.eddiehyatt.com.

\WHY THE MODERN CRUSADE TO SILENCE PRAYER IS NOT ONLY UNGODLY, BUT ALSO "UNAMERICAN"

For the first 180 years of this nation’s existence, prayer was as American as mom, baseball, and apple pie. Americans prayed--everywhere. It was part of our heritage. In my own lifetime, I can remember when prayer was a common thing at high school graduations, high school football games, city council meetings, and just about any public venue.

This began to drastically change when the Supreme Court, in 1962, banned prayer in public schools. Since that time there has been a growing hostility toward Christian prayer, and a crusade to ban it in every public venue.

A recent target of this un-American, anti-prayer crusade is Joe Kennedy of Bremerton High School in Washington state, a Marine Corps veteran and coach of the football team. Kennedy has a long tradition of kneeling to pray at the end of each football game and is often joined by some of the players.

He was recently notified by the District Superintendent, Aaron Leavell, that his public prayers must stop, even though it is a personal prayer on his part and no one is required, or even asked, to join him. The notification to cease and desist included the added warning, “Your talks with students may not include religious expressions, including prayer. They must remain entirely secular in nature.”

This is ironic in light of the fact that America was birthed in prayer. Prayer played a vital role in its beginning—at each Continental Congress, with George Washington, with the Continental Army, and with the American populace in general. We might say that prayer was part of being American!

Prayer at the First Continental Congress

The First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to decide how to respond to Britain’s growing attempts to tax and control the lives of the colonists without their participation. Because of growing colonial protests, British troops had been dispatched to quell the “disturbances.”

As delegates traveled from New England in the north, and from as far south as South Carolina, it weighed heavily on their minds how two regiments of British troops had just occupied the city of Boston and closed its port.

At the first meeting on September 5, 1774 it was proposed that they begin their deliberations with prayer. Two delegates opposed the motion on the grounds that they were such a diverse religious group—Anglicans, Puritans, Presbyterians, Quakers, etc.—that it would be impossible for them to pray together.

Samuel Adams, a Puritan from Boston, arose and said that he was not a bigoted man and that he could join in prayer with any person of piety and virtue who loved his country. He went on to say that although he was a stranger to Philadelphia he had heard of an Anglican minister, a Rev. Dusche, who was such a man and proposed that they invite him to come and lead them in prayer.

Adams proposal was approved and Dusche was asked to preside over a time of Bible reading and prayer. As the elderly, grey-haired Dusche stood before the Congress, he began by reading the entire 35^th Psalm, which powerfully impacted everyone present. It is a prayer of David for deliverance and begins with the words, Plead my cause O LORD with those who strive against me; fight against those who fight against me. The Psalm ends with praise for God’s deliverance.

As the Psalm was read, a unique sense of God’s presence filled the room and tears flowed from many eyes. John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail of the impact of the Bible reading and prayer on the delegates. He said;

Who can realize the emotions with which they turned imploringly to heaven for divine interposition and aid. It was enough to melt a heart of stone. I never saw a greater effect upon an audience. It seems as if heaven had ordained that Psalm to be read that day. I saw tears gush into the eyes of the old, grave pacific Quakers of Philadelphia. I must beg you to read that Psalm (Hyatt, America’s Revival Heritage, 69).

After reading the Psalm, Dusche began praying for the delegates, for America, and especially for the city of Boston and its inhabitants who were under siege. As he began praying, the Anglicans, such as George Washington and Richard Henry Lee, knelt in prayer according to their custom. The Puritans, according to their custom, sat with bowed heads and prayed. Others prayed according to their own unique customs. But although their outward manners differed, there was a singleness of heart and purpose as they all united in prayer for God’s assistance and intervention for America.

The Influence of the Great Awakening

This could only happen because there had been a great Spiritual awakening (1726-1770) that created a moral and prayerful tone throughout the colonies. When, for example, the Great Awakening came to Philadelphia, prayer became so prominent that Benjamin Franklin said that one could not walk down any street in the city without hearing prayer and praise coming from houses on every street (Eddie Hyatt, The Faith & Vision of Benjamin Franklin,33).

Through the incessant labors of revivalists like George Whitefield, denominational walls were broken down and the scattered colonists, for the first time, began to see themselves as “one nation under God.” Through the Great Awakening, prayer became a very real part of the American experience. Prayer became as American as mom and apple pie.

George Washington Institutes Prayer

Prayer continued to be vital part of the proceedings of the Continental Congresses. In fact, at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 Benjamin Franklin reminded the delegates how that during the war (1775-1783) “we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection” (Hyatt, The Faith &Vision of Benjamin Franklin, 62).

During the Second Continental Congress (1775-1781), where there was daily prayer, it was unanimously decided to declare independence from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was then issued on July 4, 1776. They also asked George Washington to become the commander-in-chief of the ragtag continental army.

Washington accepted the call and immediately set out to bring a moral discipline to the troops. He issued an order that there was to be no drunkenness or profanity and that each day was to begin with prayer led by the officers of each unit. He also ordered that unless their duties required them to be elsewhere, every soldier was to observe, “a punctual attendance of Divine services, to implore the blessing of heaven upon the means used for our safety and public defense.”

The Congress and the Nation Prays

During the War, the Continental Congress issued no less than fifteen proclamations of “humiliation and prayer” calling on all Americans to set aside particular days to fast and pray for God’s assistance to their cause. The proclamation of 1779 urged the nation “humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God” to ask “that He would establish the independence of these United States upon the basis of religion [Christianity] and virtue.”

At the close of the war, George Washington wrote a circular letter, dated June 14, 1783, to the governors of the various states, which included his “earnest prayer” that I here quote in part. He wrote;

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 entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another . . . 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.

Here’s How We Must Respond

There is no question that America was birthed in a milieu of prayer. Prayer was such a vital part of the early American experience that in 1787 the “nonreligious” Benjamin Franklin chided the Constitutional Convention for not praying before their deliberations and called on them to pray and ask God for His help and assistance.

So, let us not be intimidated into thinking that prayer is somehow inappropriate for public or political venues. Remember how Tim Tebow was ridiculed by liberal pundits for kneeling on the football field to pray and give thanks to God? Those individuals were obviously uninformed about American history for prayer is American--as American as mom, baseball, and apple pie.

Let us, therefore, be bold in our faith. Let us be salt and light in this generation. Let us pray for another Great Awakening in the land. It is the godly thing to do! It is the American thing to do!

Dr. Eddie Hyatt is an author, historian and ordained minister. His books on Spiritual awakenings in church and American history are available from Amazon and from his website at www.eddiehyatt.com. He is the founder of the Revive America Project, whose goal is to inspire faith and vision for another Great Awakening in the land.