The Decline of the Presidents

I am so humbled and convicted just by reading this prayer of our first President, George Washington, a man whose character was said to be the "wonder of the world". He was "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen".

O eternal and everlasting God, I presume to present myself this morning before thy Divine majesty, beseeching thee to accept of my humble and hearty thanks, that it hath pleased thy great goodness to keep and preserve me the night past from all the dangers poor mortals are subject to, and has given me sweet and pleasant sleep, whereby I find my body refreshed and comforted for performing the duties of this day, in which I beseech thee to defend me from all perils of body and soul. Direct my thoughts, words and work, wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb, and purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit, from the dross of my natural corruption, that I may with more freedom of mind and liberty of will serve thee, the ever lasting God, in righteousness and holiness this day, and all the days of my life. Increase my faith in the sweet promises of the gospel; give me repentance from dead works; pardon my wanderings, and direct my thoughts unto thyself, the God of my salvation; teach me how to live in thy fear, labor in thy service, and ever to run in the ways of thy commandments; make me always watchful over my heart, that neither the terrors of conscience, the loathing of holy duties, the love of sin, nor an unwillingness to depart this life, may cast me into a spiritual slumber, but daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy son Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time attain the resurrection of the just unto eternal life. Bless my family, friends and kindred unite us all in praising and glorifying thee in all our works begun, continued, and ended, when we shall come to make our last account before thee blessed Saviour…
(From William J. Johnson, George Washington, the Christian (New York: The Abingdon Press, New York & Cincinnati, 1919), pp. 24-35.)

No wonder America has been the wonder of the world for over 200 years, being founded by humble men like this who feared God. President Washington was a servant leader that was elected unaminously, having the hearts of the people...something which he didn't use for political aspirations; instead, something he humbly treasured.

How far we have regressed! Our modern tyrant in the White House, who has no time for even a formal National Day of Prayer (at least, if it's Christian...plenty of time for homos and Muslims), had to hire government funded thugs to dishonestly and illegally get him votes , spews blasphemy almost every time he opens his mouth, and has chosen to surround himself with czars who crank out volumous rules and regulations to force the people to bow to his agenda. (I might as well get it all off my chest while I still can.....)

I mourn for my nation, but I can still humbly beseech our Lord on my own behalf, that I might personally be found doing His will, and have my own heart and mind cleansed and focused heavenward. Thank God for this wonderful example set for us all by our first President.