Thomas Jefferson by Rembrandt Peale, 1800

TODAY IN HISTORY:
On this day in 1743, future American president and Declaration of Independence author, Thomas Jefferson, is born. He would later pray,

“Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage; we humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners.”

Jefferson was known for fighting corruption in the church, and seeking the wisdom of God directly through His Word. This prayer (from March 4, 1805) makes a powerful statement about God’s role in the success of a nation:

• Jefferson recognizes the United States as a gift from God
• He acknowledges our need for God’s favor
• He recognizes our need to be engaged with God’s will
• He asks for continued blessings on America

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© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Quote Source: America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations by William J. Federer, Photo Credit: Wikipedia