What would America's founding father pray about? In this revealing episode, we examine George Washington's personal prayer journal, discovering a man who deeply acknowledged his sinfulness while fervently seeking God's mercy through Jesus Christ. His humble words—"I confess them, O Lord, with shame and sorrow, detestation and loathing"—paint a portrait of genuine Christian faith that shaped his worldview and leadership.
Washington's explicit references to Jesus as his "only Savior" and his prayers for God to "bless our rulers in church and state" create a powerful challenge to modern narratives about America's founding. As Judge Nathaniel Freeman declared in 1802, our nation "may be considered not as a pagan but a Christian republic." The podcast explores how these primary source documents undermine revisionist histories that attempt to divorce America's governmental foundations from its Christian roots.
We also journey through Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, reflecting on the seemingly impossible standards of the Beatitudes. Could their purpose be to demonstrate our absolute need for a Savior? The discussion of meekness reveals it isn't weakness, but rather "strength under control"—the capacity for action restrained by choice. This understanding transforms how we approach Jesus's challenging teachings.
The episode concludes with a heartfelt call to action: use whatever time remains to strengthen our communities through faith. Starting with our own spiritual lives and marriages, then expanding outward to family, church, school, and nation, we're challenged to influence our spheres with godly principles. As John Quincy Adams wisely noted, "Duty is ours, results are God's." What duty might God be calling you to fulfill today?
The American Soul Podcast
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