Casandra Martin

Today is July 4^th and all over this land Americans are celebrating independence, freedom, and the blessings and privileges of living in this country.

George Washington, the first President of the United States, penned the following prayer at the close of the Revolutionary War. He sent his thoughts and wishes for the newly formed country to the governors of the thirteen states of the union. His words are still profound and speak to our country’s deepest needs.

“Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.

And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, 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 a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

My Jesus Resolution today is to follow George Washington’s example and pray for my country. I appreciate the fact that George Washington understood that the best path to our nation being one of justice, mercy, and happiness flows from the commitment of its citizens to humbly imitate Jesus. What was true at the end of the Revolutionary War is still true today. Looking like Jesus is the best hope we have of making this a nation that lives under God with liberty and justice for all.