In September, the White House launched a new “America Prays” initiative to encourage Americans to gather together “with at least 10 people” and devote “one hour per week to praying for our country and our people.” They inaccurately claimed the Southern Baptist Convention endorsed the effort and haven’t really made any edits to the site since President Donald Trump announced it during a meeting of his “
In place of Washington's fabricated picture of prayer, we need to revisit Luke 18's picture of the persistent praying widow...
. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
We must be persistent in our prayers for justice AND in our resistance to Christian Nationalism.
Friend Brian, once again you have done a great service to history and to truth!! While I was aware of some of the falsehoods, myths, legends, and general misinformation of the Washington praying in the snow at Valley Forge, you expanded my knowledge. It may be that the Trump-Hegseth coalition so loves this "story" because it is steeped in falsehood, myth, legend and misinformation, the stock in trade for both of these men. One of the things that has always struck me about the Valley Forge prayer story is that Washington is generally considered a diest in his theology, as my research has revealed. That is not to say he may not have prayed for the intervention of "Providence," however, to present him as something akin to an evangelical Christian is to misrepresent his personal faith. The alleged Valley Forge prayer is an extremely weak foundation for building a government sponsored and endorsed program of prayer. Can not people of every thrological stripe and bent engage in our prayers in whatever fashion and manner we are led without the imprimator of the government? Of course, we can, we should and we must!! Our exercise of faith should never be tired to any government advocated, and directed political-religious endeavor.
For 20 years (1978-1998) I preached in the John Gano Memorial Chapel at William Jewell College for the Thursday morning community worship service. In that building was a painting of Rev. John Gano baptizing George Washington, in his powdered wig, via the Baptist way of immersion. We generally admitted the featured baptism did not occur but guests occasionally came to campus to see the painting and the chapel building. Though the college took no stance on the historicity of that event, we feel more comfortable if the people in power look like us and worship like us. (The John Gano Chapel will celebrate it centenary in 2026.)
In place of Washington's fabricated picture of prayer, we need to revisit Luke 18's picture of the persistent praying widow...
. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
We must be persistent in our prayers for justice AND in our resistance to Christian Nationalism.
Friend Brian, once again you have done a great service to history and to truth!! While I was aware of some of the falsehoods, myths, legends, and general misinformation of the Washington praying in the snow at Valley Forge, you expanded my knowledge. It may be that the Trump-Hegseth coalition so loves this "story" because it is steeped in falsehood, myth, legend and misinformation, the stock in trade for both of these men. One of the things that has always struck me about the Valley Forge prayer story is that Washington is generally considered a diest in his theology, as my research has revealed. That is not to say he may not have prayed for the intervention of "Providence," however, to present him as something akin to an evangelical Christian is to misrepresent his personal faith. The alleged Valley Forge prayer is an extremely weak foundation for building a government sponsored and endorsed program of prayer. Can not people of every thrological stripe and bent engage in our prayers in whatever fashion and manner we are led without the imprimator of the government? Of course, we can, we should and we must!! Our exercise of faith should never be tired to any government advocated, and directed political-religious endeavor.
Thank you for your writing.
For 20 years (1978-1998) I preached in the John Gano Memorial Chapel at William Jewell College for the Thursday morning community worship service. In that building was a painting of Rev. John Gano baptizing George Washington, in his powdered wig, via the Baptist way of immersion. We generally admitted the featured baptism did not occur but guests occasionally came to campus to see the painting and the chapel building. Though the college took no stance on the historicity of that event, we feel more comfortable if the people in power look like us and worship like us. (The John Gano Chapel will celebrate it centenary in 2026.)
Yes, mixed up the 2 names there. I've corrected it, thanks! -Brian