The Prayers of America

PRAYERS AND PRESIDENTS

In his book, Prayers and Presidents, Federer explores the role of faith in the lives and leadership of past American presidents. Containing various speeches from U.S. presidents like James Madison, Zachary Taylor, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt, Federer provides readers with insights into how American leaders have incorporated their religious beliefs into their public roles and how they shaped our nation.

JAMES MADISON

James Madison called for a day of prayer and fasting during the War of 1812, specifically in response to the burning of Washington D.C., by British forces.

On August 24, 1814, British troops invaded Washington D.C. and set fire to major government buildings, including the Capitol, the White House (then called the Presidential Mansion), and other federal structures. This attack came as retaliation for earlier American actions in Canada during the war.

In response to this devastating attack on the nation's capital, President James Madison issued a proclamation on September 1, 1814, condemning the British attack as showing "a deliberate disregard of the principles of humanity and the rules of civilized warfare." More importantly, Madison called for a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer. He was seeking divine intervention in the war effort and attempting to unite the nation in a time of crisis. While he was known for his strong advocacy of the separation of church and state, Madison did not hesitate to call for national prayer in this extreme national peril.

The burning of Washington D.C. did not have the demoralizing effect the British had hoped for. Instead, it rallied Americans behind the war effort. The capital was quickly rebuilt, with the White House becoming operational again by 1817 and the Capitol Building by 1819.

ZACHARY TAYLOR

In 1849, President Zachary Taylor proclaimed a National Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer in response to a severe cholera pandemic that was spreading across the United States killing approximately 150,000 Americans.

On July 3, 1849, President Taylor issued a proclamation recommending that the first Friday in August (August 3, 1849) be observed throughout the United States as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer.

In his proclamation, Taylor stated that it was fitting for people to "humble themselves before His throne" and ask for "Divine mercy" in the face of the "fearful pestilence" spreading through the land.

The president recommended that people abstain from secular occupations as much as possible on that day and instead assemble in their places of worship.

Taylor called on Americans to acknowledge God's protection of the nation and to "implore the Almighty in His own good time to stay the destroying hand which is now lifted up against us.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

During the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued multiple proclamations calling for national days of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. These proclamations were significant efforts to unite the nation and seek divine guidance during great turmoil.

Lincoln issued three major proclamations:

• First Proclamation: August 12, 1861
• Lincoln called for the last Thursday in September 1861 to be observed as a day of humiliation, prayer, and fasting.
• Second Proclamation: March 30, 1863
• This proclamation, initially requested by the Senate, designated April 30, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer. Lincoln asked citizens to abstain from their usual activities and unite in prayer at places of worship or in their homes.
• Third Proclamation: July 7, 1864
• In this proclamation, Lincoln made a special plea for those in positions of authority to seek God through fasting and prayer. Lincoln's proclamations served multiple purposes:
• National Unity: They were attempts to bring the divided nation together through shared religious observance.
• Divine Guidance: Lincoln sought God's blessings on the nation's efforts to restore peace and unity.
• Repentance: The proclamations called for national repentance, acknowledging that the nation had "forgotten God" and needed to humble itself.

These proclamations reflect Lincoln's faith and his understanding of the role of providence in national affairs. They also demonstrate the deep religious sentiment of the time, when it was not uncommon for political leaders to call for such observances.

Lincoln's words in these proclamations continue to resonate, offering insights into the spiritual dimensions of leadership during times of national crisis.

FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT

Franklin Roosevelt issued prayer on D-Day and passed out Gideon's New Testaments and Book of Psalms during World War II.

Roosevelt delivered a national prayer via radio broadcast on the evening of June 6, 1944, as Allied forces were landing in Normandy. This prayer, which lasted about 6 minutes, was a solemn and moving address to the nation during one of the most crucial moments of World War II. Roosevelt asked for:

• God's blessing and guidance for the troops
• Emphasizing the righteousness of the Allied cause
• Calling for strength and faith from the American people
• Urging continuous prayer throughout the war effort

The prayer resonated deeply with the American public. Printed copies were widely distributed and displayed throughout the remainder of the war.

The impact of Roosevelt's D-Day prayer has been long-lasting:

• In 2014, legislation was passed to add the prayer to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
• A plaque featuring the prayer was dedicated at the restored Circle of Remembrance near the main memorial on the 79th anniversary of D-Day.
• The prayer continues to be remembered and recited, particularly on D-Day anniversaries, as a powerful expression of national unity and purpose during a critical moment in history.

IN THE BEGINNING

William Federer was raised Catholic in a family of 11 children. At 24, he began dating his future wife Susan, and noticed that her mom watched The 700 Club. After accepting an invitation to attend a FGBMI meeting, he went forward because the other men had something that he wanted.  He gave his life to Christ soon after.  Once married and living in Texas, Bill was drawn into politics during Pat’s presidential run. A former youth pastor, Bill stayed interested in politics and was asked to run against Gephardt, which turned into one of the closest races in the nation. 

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CREDITS

Author, Prayers for Presidents (AmeriSearch); Founder & President, AmeriSearch, Inc. – a publishing company dedicated to the historical research/preservation of America’s heritage; Host of TV show, Faith in History; Rep. Congressional candidate against House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt in 1998 & 2000 elections; Speaker before Congressmen, Senators, political conventions; Appeared on CSPAN, FOX, and O’Reilly Factor, etc.; Graduated from Saint Louis University with an Accounting/Business degree; married to Susie